Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery is an oral surgery practice located in St. George, Utah, providing surgical extraction, implant placement, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery to patients in Washington County and surrounding areas. The practice is staffed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who perform procedures ranging from routine tooth removal to complex reconstructive surgery. Most patients in the St. George area can schedule a consultation within 1–2 weeks.
Reviewed by Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery — St. George, UT
What Oral Surgeons Do
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists who have completed 4–6 years of additional surgical training beyond dental school. They diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaw, and face. Common procedures include extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, placement of dental implants, removal of cysts or tumors, correction of bite problems (orthognathic surgery), and reconstruction following trauma. Oral surgeons are licensed to administer IV sedation and general anesthesia, making them distinct from general dentists who typically cannot.
Procedures Offered at Oral Surgery Practices
| Procedure | Typical Timeline | Anesthesia | Recovery | |———–|——————|———–|———-| | Simple tooth extraction | 15–30 minutes | Local anesthetic | 24–48 hours | | Impacted wisdom tooth removal | 30–60 minutes per tooth | IV sedation or general | 3–7 days | | Dental implant placement | 45–90 minutes | IV sedation or local | 7–14 days | | Bone grafting | 60–120 minutes | IV sedation or general | 2–4 weeks | | Jaw surgery (orthognathic) | 2–4 hours | General anesthesia | 4–8 weeks | | Cyst or tumor removal | 30–90 minutes | IV sedation or general | 1–3 weeks |
When You Need an Oral Surgeon
Your general dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon if you have impacted wisdom teeth, severe tooth decay requiring extraction, missing teeth that need implant restoration, a cyst or lesion in the jaw, a misaligned bite affecting function or appearance, or facial trauma. Patients with complex medical histories, anxiety, or a need for IV sedation are also commonly referred to oral surgeons rather than general practitioners. Some patients seek oral surgery consultation directly for second opinions on extraction or implant treatment plans.
What You Can Expect at Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery
Red Rock Oral and Facial Surgery 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 IV sedation or general anesthesia administered by trained anesthesia staff. Post-operative instructions cover pain management, swelling reduction, activity restrictions, and follow-up care. Most patients are discharged the same day with a responsible adult driver and receive post-operative phone calls to monitor healing.
The practice serves patients throughout Washington County, including residents of St. George, Washington, Hurricane, and surrounding communities. Scheduling is available for both emergency extractions and elective procedures. Many insurance plans are accepted, and the office staff can provide cost estimates and financing options during the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to see an oral surgeon instead of my dentist?
If your dentist recommends extraction of an impacted tooth, implant placement, removal of a cyst, or correction of a jaw problem, referral to an oral surgeon is appropriate. Oral surgeons have specialized training and equipment for complex cases. You can also request a referral for a second opinion if you are uncertain about a treatment plan.
What anesthesia options are available?
Oral surgeons offer local anesthesia (numbing injection alone), IV sedation (twilight sleep), and general anesthesia (full unconsciousness). Your surgeon will discuss which option is safest and most appropriate based on the procedure, your medical history, and your anxiety level. IV sedation and general anesthesia require a responsible adult to drive you home.
How much does oral surgery cost?
Cost varies by procedure: simple extractions typically range from $150–$400, impacted wisdom tooth removal from $300–$800 per tooth, dental implant placement from $1,500–$3,000, and bone grafting from $500–$2,000. Most dental insurance covers a portion of surgical extractions and some implant costs. The office provides a detailed estimate after consultation and imaging review.
What is the recovery time after tooth extraction?
Simple extractions typically heal within 24–48 hours for basic function, though complete bone healing takes 3–6 months. Impacted wisdom tooth removal requires 3–7 days of restricted activity, with swelling peaking around day 2–3. You can usually return to normal diet and exercise after 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
Are there risks or complications with oral surgery?
All surgery carries some risk. Common temporary effects include swelling, bruising, and discomfort lasting 3–7 days. Rare complications include nerve injury (causing temporary or permanent numbness), infection, or dry socket (delayed healing in the extraction site). Your surgeon discusses specific risks during consultation and provides post-operative instructions to minimize complications.
Can I have dental implants placed immediately after tooth extraction?
Immediate implant placement (same day as extraction) is sometimes possible if bone quality and quantity are adequate. More often, the extraction site is allowed to heal for 3–6 months before implant placement, allowing bone to stabilize. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific anatomy and recommend the timeline that offers the best long-term outcome.