Central Texas OMS is an oral surgery practice in Austin offering surgical tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, and corrective jaw surgery. The practice employs board-certified oral surgeons with hospital privileges and uses advanced imaging and anesthesia protocols to manage complex cases.
Reviewed by Central Texas OMS surgical team
What Oral Surgeons Do
Oral surgeons are dentists who complete 4–6 years of additional surgical training beyond dental school, qualifying them to perform tooth extractions, place dental implants, remove impacted wisdom teeth, perform bone grafting, and manage jaw disorders. Board certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS) requires passing written and clinical examinations. Oral surgeons in Texas must hold a valid dental license and complete continuing education in anesthesia, surgical technique, and patient safety.
When You Need an Oral Surgeon
General dentists can extract erupted teeth with simple roots, but oral surgeons manage impacted wisdom teeth, teeth with curved or fused roots, patients with medical complexity, and cases requiring IV sedation or general anesthesia. Dental implant placement—especially in patients with bone loss or anatomical constraints—often requires an oral surgeon’s expertise. Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) for bite problems, sleep apnea, or facial asymmetry is exclusively performed by oral surgeons. Bone grafting before implant placement, removal of cysts or tumors, and treatment of TMJ disorders also fall within oral surgery scope.
Common Oral Surgery Procedures
| Procedure | Typical Duration | Anesthesia | Recovery Time |
|———–|——————|———–|—————-|
| Simple tooth extraction | 15–30 minutes | Local anesthetic ± nitrous oxide | 1–2 weeks |
| Impacted wisdom tooth removal | 20–45 minutes per tooth | IV sedation or general anesthesia | 3–7 days |
| Dental implant placement | 30–90 minutes | Local anesthetic ± IV sedation | 3–6 months (osseointegration) |
| Bone graft | 45–120 minutes | IV sedation or general anesthesia | 4–12 months (graft maturation) |
| Corrective jaw surgery | 2–4 hours | General anesthesia | 6–12 weeks |
What You Can Expect at Central Texas OMS
Central Texas OMS provides pre-operative consultation including 3D imaging (CBCT) to assess bone anatomy, tooth position, and nerve proximity. Patients receive detailed anesthesia options—from local anesthetic alone to IV sedation to general anesthesia—matched to procedure complexity and medical history. The practice coordinates with referring dentists and specialists to ensure continuity of care. Post-operative instructions cover pain management, swelling reduction, activity restrictions, and follow-up scheduling. Most patients are discharged the same day with a responsible adult driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need an oral surgeon instead of my general dentist?
If your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon, the tooth or jaw problem likely requires surgical expertise, specialized anesthesia, or hospital-level monitoring. Impacted wisdom teeth, complex extractions, implant placement, and jaw surgery are typical reasons for referral. Your general dentist can extract simple teeth, but oral surgeons manage cases outside that scope.
What is the cost of oral surgery in Austin?
Costs vary by procedure: simple extractions range $150–$400, impacted wisdom tooth removal $200–$600 per tooth, dental implant placement $1,500–$3,500, and bone grafts $500–$2,000. Corrective jaw surgery typically costs $15,000–$30,000. Most dental insurance covers medically necessary extractions and some implant costs; cosmetic jaw surgery is usually not covered. Request a written estimate before scheduling.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
Anesthesia options depend on procedure complexity and your preference. Local anesthetic numbs the surgical site; nitrous oxide (laughing gas) adds relaxation. IV sedation produces twilight sleep—you’re unconscious but breathing on your own. General anesthesia (intubation) is used for complex cases or patient anxiety. Your surgeon will discuss options during consultation.
How long is recovery after wisdom tooth removal?
Most patients return to light activity within 3–5 days. Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise, smoking, and drinking through straws for one week. Pain is typically managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Sutures dissolve or are removed at a follow-up visit. Full healing of bone takes 3–6 months, though you feel normal much sooner.
Can I get a dental implant immediately after tooth extraction?
Immediate implant placement (same visit as extraction) is possible if bone quality and quantity are adequate and infection risk is low. More commonly, the socket is allowed to heal for 3–6 months before implant placement, ensuring stable bone. Your surgeon will assess feasibility during consultation based on imaging and clinical examination.
What are the risks of oral surgery?
Common minor risks include swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness. Rare serious risks include nerve injury (causing prolonged numbness or tingling), excessive bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications. Jaw fracture during extraction is uncommon in healthy bone. Your surgeon will review specific risks for your procedure and medical history before surgery.
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