Central Texas OMS provides oral and maxillofacial surgery services in Austin, including wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. Board-certified surgeons perform procedures in an accredited surgical facility with on-site anesthesia support.
Reviewed by Central Texas OMS surgical team
What Oral Surgeons Do
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists with an additional 4–6 years of surgical training beyond dental school. They diagnose and surgically treat conditions of the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. Common procedures include extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, placement of dental implants, removal of cysts and tumors, correction of bite problems, and reconstruction following trauma or disease. Unlike general dentists, oral surgeons are trained to manage complex cases, administer IV sedation and general anesthesia, and handle surgical complications in a controlled operating environment.
Common Reasons to See an Oral Surgeon in Austin
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Impacted or partially erupted third molars often require surgical removal. Extraction prevents crowding, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Most patients experience swelling and discomfort for 3–7 days post-op; full healing takes 1–2 weeks.
Dental Implants
Oral surgeons place titanium implant fixtures into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. The procedure requires bone density assessment via CBCT imaging. Osseointegration (bone fusion) typically takes 3–6 months before the restorative dentist attaches the crown.
Bone Grafting
When the jaw lacks sufficient bone height or width for implants, surgeons harvest or use donor bone to rebuild the site. Grafts may come from your own jaw, hip, or tibia; or from cadaveric, xenogeneic, or synthetic sources.
Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Surgical repositioning of the upper and/or lower jaw corrects severe bite problems and facial asymmetry. Surgery is often combined with orthodontics and can improve breathing, chewing, and sleep apnea symptoms.
Oral Pathology
Surgeons biopsy and remove benign and malignant lesions, cysts, and tumors of the oral cavity and jaw.
What to Expect During a Consultation
An oral surgeon will review your medical and dental history, perform a clinical exam, and order imaging (X-rays or CBCT) to assess bone anatomy and tooth position. They will discuss treatment options, anesthesia choices (local, IV sedation, or general anesthesia), recovery timeline, and costs. Insurance coverage varies; many plans cover medically necessary extractions and implant placement but may not cover cosmetic procedures.
Anesthesia Options
Oral surgeons in Austin offer multiple anesthesia levels:
| Anesthesia Type | Patient Awareness | Recovery Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local anesthetic only | Fully awake | Minimal | Simple extractions, low anxiety |
| IV sedation (twilight) | Drowsy/minimal memory | 1–2 hours | Moderate complexity, anxious patients |
| General anesthesia | Unconscious | 2–4 hours | Complex surgery, multiple teeth, pediatric patients |
What You Can Expect at Central Texas OMS
Central Texas OMS is located in Austin and staffed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The practice operates an accredited surgical facility equipped for in-office anesthesia administration, allowing patients to avoid hospital operating room costs and scheduling delays. The surgical team manages routine extractions, implant placement, and complex reconstructive cases. Patients receive pre-operative instructions, post-operative pain management protocols, and follow-up care to monitor healing. The practice works with most major insurance plans and offers financing options for uninsured or out-of-pocket costs.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery varies by procedure complexity. Simple extractions may require only 24–48 hours of rest; complex jaw surgery may require 2–3 weeks of limited activity. Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours and gradually resolves over 1–2 weeks. Patients receive written post-op instructions covering diet, oral hygiene, activity restrictions, and when to call the office. Complications such as dry socket (after extraction), infection, or nerve injury are uncommon but require prompt attention.