Oral Surgery NAZ is a full-service oral surgery practice in Flagstaff, Arizona, offering wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. The practice is staffed by board-certified oral surgeons with hospital privileges and specializes in both routine and complex surgical cases, serving patients across Northern Arizona.
Reviewed by the clinical team at Oral Surgery NAZ — Flagstaff, AZ
What Oral Surgeons Do
Oral surgeons are dentists who complete an additional 4–6 years of surgical residency training beyond dental school, qualifying them to perform tooth extractions, place dental implants, perform bone grafts, correct jaw misalignment, and treat facial trauma. Unlike general dentists, oral surgeons hold hospital privileges and are trained to manage complex anesthesia, including IV sedation and general anesthesia. They handle cases general dentists refer when extraction or implant placement requires advanced surgical technique or when patients need deeper sedation.
Common Procedures Oral Surgeons Perform
| Procedure | Typical Indication | Anesthesia Level |
|———–|——————-|——————|
| Wisdom tooth extraction | Impaction, decay, crowding, infection | Local + IV sedation or general |
| Dental implant placement | Missing tooth replacement | Local + IV sedation |
| Bone grafting | Insufficient jawbone for implants | Local + IV sedation or general |
| Corrective jaw surgery | Severe bite misalignment, sleep apnea | General anesthesia |
| Tooth extraction (surgical) | Deeply impacted, fractured, or severely decayed teeth | Local + IV sedation |
| Removal of cysts or tumors | Pathology in jaw or soft tissue | Local + IV sedation or general |
When You Need an Oral Surgeon vs. a General Dentist
A general dentist can extract loose or minimally impacted teeth under local anesthesia. An oral surgeon is necessary when a tooth is deeply impacted (especially wisdom teeth), when you require IV sedation or general anesthesia, when bone removal is needed to access the tooth, when you have complex medical history requiring hospital-level monitoring, or when you need implant placement or bone grafting. Patients with severe anxiety, medical conditions affecting healing, or previous surgical complications also benefit from oral surgeon care.
What to Expect at Oral Surgery NAZ
Oral Surgery NAZ provides pre-operative consultation to review imaging (X-rays, CT scans), discuss anesthesia options, and address patient concerns. On the day of surgery, patients receive anesthesia appropriate to the procedure complexity—ranging from local anesthetic with nitrous oxide to IV sedation to general anesthesia. The surgical team monitors vital signs throughout. Post-operative instructions cover pain management, swelling reduction, activity restrictions, and when to call if complications arise. Follow-up appointments typically occur within 1–2 weeks to assess healing and remove sutures if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does wisdom tooth extraction take?
A straightforward extraction typically takes 20–40 minutes; impacted wisdom teeth may require 45 minutes to over an hour. The time depends on tooth position, root complexity, and whether bone removal is necessary. Most patients are fully recovered from anesthesia within 1–2 hours.
What is the cost of oral surgery in Flagstaff?
Costs vary by procedure: simple extractions range $150–$400 per tooth, surgical extractions $300–$800, dental implant placement $1,500–$3,500, and bone grafts $500–$2,000. Insurance coverage depends on your plan; many cover medically necessary extractions but not elective cosmetic procedures. Contact Oral Surgery NAZ for a detailed estimate after consultation.
What anesthesia options are available?
Oral surgeons offer local anesthesia (numbing only), nitrous oxide (laughing gas for mild anxiety), IV sedation (twilight sleep—you’re drowsy but responsive), and general anesthesia (fully asleep, used for complex cases). Your surgeon recommends the safest option based on procedure complexity, medical history, and anxiety level.
How long is recovery after oral surgery?
Most patients return to light activity within 3–5 days. Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours and gradually subsides over 1–2 weeks. Bone healing continues for several months, especially after implant placement or grafting. Full return to strenuous exercise typically takes 1–2 weeks.
What are common complications after oral surgery?
Dry socket (delayed healing in the extraction site) occurs in 2–5% of cases and causes increased pain 3–5 days post-op. Infection, excessive bleeding, and nerve irritation are rare but possible. Swelling, bruising, and temporary jaw stiffness are normal. Serious complications are uncommon when post-operative instructions are followed.
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon?
No referral is required to schedule a consultation at Oral Surgery NAZ. Many patients self-refer; others are referred by their general dentist. Insurance may require a referral for coverage, so check your plan before scheduling.
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