Southern Indiana Oral Surgery provides surgical dental care in New Albany, including wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. The practice serves Floyd County and surrounding areas with in-office anesthesia and same-day procedures.
Reviewed by Southern Indiana Oral Surgery
What Oral Surgeons Do
Oral surgeons are dentists with an additional 4–6 years of surgical training beyond dental school. They perform tooth extractions (especially impacted or surgical cases), place dental implants, remove cysts and tumors, perform bone grafts, correct jaw misalignment, and manage facial trauma. Unlike general dentists, oral surgeons are trained to administer IV sedation and general anesthesia, and they manage complex surgical cases that require operating room-level care.
Common Procedures in New Albany
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Most patients have wisdom teeth removed between ages 16 and 25, though extraction can occur at any age. Impacted wisdom teeth—those trapped beneath bone or gum—require surgical removal. The procedure typically takes 20–45 minutes per tooth, depending on position and root complexity. Recovery involves 7–10 days of swelling and discomfort, managed with ice, elevation, and prescribed pain medication.
Dental Implants
Implants replace missing teeth with a titanium post anchored in the jawbone, topped with a crown. The process spans 4–6 months: initial placement, osseointegration (bone bonding), and crown placement. Patients must have adequate bone density; if bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be necessary first. Success rates exceed 95% when proper aftercare is followed.
Bone Grafting
When the jaw lacks sufficient bone to support an implant or to stabilize teeth, bone grafting rebuilds volume. Grafts use the patient’s own bone (harvested from the jaw, hip, or chin), donor bone, or synthetic material. The graft integrates over 4–9 months before implant placement can proceed.
Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Patients with severe overbite, underbite, or open bite may undergo jaw repositioning to improve function and appearance. Surgery is often combined with orthodontics and takes 2–4 hours. Recovery involves 6–12 weeks of restricted diet and activity, with full healing over several months.
Anesthesia Options
Oral surgeons in New Albany offer multiple sedation levels. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area only. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) reduces anxiety while keeping patients awake. IV sedation induces twilight sleep—patients are unaware of the procedure but can respond to commands. General anesthesia renders patients fully unconscious. The choice depends on procedure complexity and patient preference; the surgeon discusses options during consultation.
What to Expect at Southern Indiana Oral Surgery
Southern Indiana Oral Surgery is located in New Albany and equipped to handle routine extractions, complex surgical cases, and implant placement in a single facility. The practice uses digital imaging and 3D cone-beam CT scans to plan procedures precisely. Most patients are seen for a consultation before surgery, during which the surgeon reviews imaging, discusses anesthesia, and answers questions. Many procedures are completed same-day with minimal downtime.
Post-operative care instructions are provided in writing and verbally. Patients receive prescriptions for pain management and antibiotics if needed. Follow-up appointments monitor healing and address any complications. The practice emphasizes patient comfort and clear communication throughout treatment.