Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery is a full-service oral surgery practice in St. George offering wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. The practice is staffed by board-certified oral surgeons with advanced training in surgical anesthesia and complex extractions.
Reviewed by Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery — St. George, UT
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 implants, perform bone grafts, treat facial trauma, and manage oral pathology. Unlike general dentists, oral surgeons are trained to administer IV sedation and general anesthesia, manage complex surgical cases, and handle complications during procedures. They hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree plus a certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Common Procedures Performed by Oral Surgeons
| Procedure | Typical Use | Anesthesia Options |
|---|
| Wisdom tooth extraction | Impacted, symptomatic, or preventive removal | Local, IV sedation, general anesthesia |
| Dental implant placement | Replace missing teeth with titanium root | Local, IV sedation |
| Bone grafting | Rebuild jaw bone for implant support | Local, IV sedation, general anesthesia |
| Corrective jaw surgery | Align bite and facial structure | General anesthesia |
| Tooth extraction (complex) | Severely decayed or broken teeth | Local, IV sedation, general anesthesia |
| Oral pathology treatment | Remove cysts, tumors, or lesions | Local, IV sedation, general anesthesia |
When to See an Oral Surgeon
You should be referred to an oral surgeon if your general dentist identifies impacted wisdom teeth, needs to extract teeth in a complex case, recommends a dental implant, or suspects oral pathology. Patients with medical conditions (bleeding disorders, immunosuppression, uncontrolled diabetes) or anxiety about dental procedures often benefit from an oral surgeon’s advanced anesthesia options. Trauma to the face or jaw also requires oral surgery evaluation.
What You Can Expect at Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery
Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery provides comprehensive surgical care in a dedicated surgical facility equipped for IV sedation and general anesthesia. The practice handles routine extractions, complex impacted wisdom teeth, implant placement, and bone grafting procedures. Patients receive a detailed pre-operative consultation, clear anesthesia options, and post-operative care instructions to manage pain and swelling.
The practice serves patients across southwestern Utah and northern Arizona, with scheduling available for both emergency and elective procedures. Most patients are seen for a consultation before surgery, allowing time to discuss risks, benefits, and recovery expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need an oral surgeon instead of a general dentist?
If your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon, it typically means your case involves impacted teeth, complex extraction, implant placement, bone grafting, or pathology that requires surgical expertise and advanced anesthesia. General dentists can extract simple teeth under local anesthesia, but oral surgeons manage cases where teeth are embedded in bone, patients have medical complications, or anxiety requires sedation.
What anesthesia options are available for oral surgery?
Oral surgeons offer local anesthesia (numbing only), IV sedation (twilight sleep where you’re drowsy but responsive), and general anesthesia (fully asleep). Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on the procedure complexity, your medical history, and your comfort level. IV sedation is common for wisdom tooth extraction; general anesthesia is typical for corrective jaw surgery.
How long does recovery take after wisdom tooth extraction?
Most patients experience peak swelling and discomfort for 3–5 days after extraction. Bone healing takes 7–10 days, and complete bone remodeling continues for several months. You can typically return to light activity within a few days and normal diet within 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
What is the cost of oral surgery procedures?
Costs vary widely based on procedure type and complexity. Simple extractions under local anesthesia cost less than impacted wisdom teeth removal under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Dental implants and bone grafting are more expensive. Most insurance plans cover medically necessary extractions and some implant costs; cosmetic procedures are typically not covered. Your surgeon’s office provides a cost estimate after consultation.
Are there risks or complications with oral surgery?
All surgery carries risk. Common minor complications include swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness. Rare serious complications include nerve injury, sinus perforation (during upper tooth extraction), or infection. Your surgeon discusses specific risks during consultation based on your anatomy and medical history. Following post-operative instructions reduces complication risk significantly.
Can I drive home after oral surgery?
If you receive IV sedation or general anesthesia, you cannot drive for 24 hours after surgery. You must arrange a responsible adult to drive you home. Local anesthesia alone allows you to drive, though many patients prefer to have someone accompany them. Your surgeon’s office will confirm driving restrictions based on your anesthesia choice.
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