Rocky Top Oral Surgery in Springville, UT provides surgical extraction, implant placement, and corrective jaw procedures with board-certified oral surgeons. The practice serves Utah County with same-day consultations and sedation options for patient comfort during complex dental procedures.
Reviewed by Rocky Top Oral Surgery clinical team — Springville, UT
What Oral Surgeons Do
Oral surgeons are dentists with an additional 4–6 years of surgical training beyond dental school, qualifying them to perform tooth extractions, dental implant placement, bone grafting, jaw reconstruction, and treatment of oral pathology. Unlike general dentists, oral surgeons manage impacted teeth, complex extractions in patients with medical conditions, and surgical correction of bite problems. They are licensed to administer IV sedation and general anesthesia, making them the appropriate provider for patients with high anxiety or those undergoing lengthy procedures.
Common Procedures in Springville
Wisdom tooth extraction is the most frequent oral surgery procedure; most patients have four wisdom teeth removed between ages 16 and 25, though extraction may occur later if decay, infection, or crowding develops. Dental implant placement involves surgically anchoring a titanium post into the jawbone to support a crown or bridge—a procedure that typically requires 3–6 months of bone integration before the restoration is attached. Bone grafting is performed when the jaw lacks sufficient volume for implant placement, using donor bone (from the patient’s own jaw, a cadaver, or synthetic material) to rebuild the site. Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) realigns the upper and lower jaw to improve bite function and facial appearance, often coordinated with orthodontics.
Choosing an Oral Surgeon: Key Factors
| Factor |
What to Verify |
| Board certification | American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS) or equivalent |
| Hospital privileges | Indicates credentialing by a medical institution |
| Anesthesia options | IV sedation, nitrous oxide, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia availability |
| Implant experience | Years placing implants and success rates (>95% is standard) |
| Emergency access | Same-day or next-day availability for post-operative complications |
| Insurance participation | In-network status with your plan |
What You Can Expect at Rocky Top Oral Surgery
Rocky Top Oral Surgery is located in Springville and staffed by oral surgeons trained in surgical tooth removal, implant dentistry, and jaw reconstruction. The practice offers multiple sedation levels to accommodate patient anxiety and procedure complexity, from local anesthesia alone to IV sedation. Initial consultations include a clinical exam and imaging (often cone-beam CT scans) to assess bone anatomy and plan the surgical approach. Post-operative instructions, pain management protocols, and follow-up appointments are provided to all patients; the practice maintains availability for complications such as excessive bleeding or infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need an oral surgeon instead of a general dentist?
Your general dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon if your tooth is impacted, severely decayed, or requires extraction under anesthesia; if you need a dental implant; or if you have a medical condition (such as bleeding disorder or immunosuppression) that makes extraction riskier. Oral surgeons also treat jaw pain, cysts, and facial trauma.
What is the cost of oral surgery in Utah?
Simple tooth extraction by an oral surgeon typically costs $200–$600 per tooth; impacted wisdom teeth range $300–$1,000 each depending on depth and position. Dental implant placement costs $1,500–$3,000 per implant, not including the crown. Bone grafting adds $500–$2,000. Most dental insurance covers a portion of extraction and implant placement; verify your plan’s oral surgery benefits before scheduling.
How long is recovery after tooth extraction?
Most patients return to light activity within 3–5 days; complete bone healing takes 7–10 days. Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours and subsides over 1–2 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise, smoking, and drinking through a straw for at least one week to prevent dry socket (a painful delay in healing).
What anesthesia options are available?
Local anesthesia (numbing injection) is standard for all extractions. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) reduces anxiety without sedation. IV sedation allows you to sleep through the procedure while remaining responsive to commands. General anesthesia is reserved for complex cases or patients with severe anxiety; it requires a hospital setting and post-operative monitoring.
Can I have all four wisdom teeth removed at once?
Yes. Removing all four wisdom teeth in a single appointment under IV sedation or general anesthesia is common and reduces overall recovery time compared to staged extractions. Most patients tolerate this well, though swelling and discomfort are more pronounced than with single-tooth removal.
What complications can occur after oral surgery?
Dry socket (delayed healing with bone exposure) occurs in 2–5% of extractions and causes sharp pain 3–5 days post-op. Nerve injury causing numbness or tingling is rare (<1%) but can be temporary or permanent. Infection, excessive bleeding, and sinus communication (in upper molar extractions) are uncommon with proper technique and post-operative care. Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience fever, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain.
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