Oral Surgeon Near Lawton, OK
Lawton Oral Surgery provides surgical extraction, implant placement, and corrective jaw procedures to patients across Comanche County and southwestern Oklahoma. The practice operates in Lawton and serves patients requiring tooth removal, bone grafting, and oral reconstruction.
Reviewed by the clinical team at Lawton Oral Surgery
What Oral Surgeons Do
Oral surgeons are dentists with an additional 4–6 years of surgical training beyond dental school, qualifying them to perform procedures beyond the scope of general dentistry. They extract impacted or severely decayed teeth, place dental implants, perform bone grafts, correct jaw misalignment, and treat oral trauma and pathology. Most oral surgeons hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree plus a certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery from an accredited residency program.
Common Procedures Oral Surgeons Perform
| Procedure | Typical Use | Healing Time |
|---|
| Tooth extraction | Impacted wisdom teeth, severe decay, orthodontic preparation | 7–14 days |
| Dental implant placement | Tooth replacement, bone integration | 3–6 months (osseointegration) |
| Bone grafting | Ridge augmentation before implant, jaw reconstruction | 4–12 months |
| Corrective jaw surgery | Bite correction, sleep apnea, TMJ disorder | 6–12 weeks |
| Wisdom tooth removal | Impaction, crowding, infection risk | 7–10 days |
| Oral pathology treatment | Cyst removal, tumor biopsy, lesion excision | Varies by size |
Why Patients See an Oral Surgeon
General dentists refer patients to oral surgeons when a procedure requires surgical expertise, general anesthesia, or management of complex anatomy. Impacted wisdom teeth—where the tooth is trapped beneath bone or gum—are the most common reason for referral. Patients also seek oral surgeons for dental implant placement, which involves precise bone assessment and surgical positioning. Those with severe jaw misalignment, sleep apnea related to jaw structure, or oral injuries requiring reconstruction are candidates for surgical intervention.
What to Expect at Lawton Oral Surgery
Lawton Oral Surgery evaluates patients through consultation, imaging (often 3D cone-beam CT scans), and treatment planning before any procedure. Patients receive detailed pre-operative instructions regarding fasting, medication adjustment, and post-operative care. The practice uses appropriate anesthesia options—local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia—depending on procedure complexity and patient preference. Post-operative follow-up includes pain management guidance, swelling reduction strategies, and monitoring for proper healing.
Most patients experience swelling and discomfort for 3–7 days following extraction or implant placement, managed with prescribed or over-the-counter analgesics, ice application, and activity restriction. Sutures are typically removed within 7–10 days. Implant patients return for abutment placement and crown fabrication once bone integration is complete, usually 3–6 months after implant insertion.
Insurance and Cost Considerations
Oral surgery costs vary by procedure complexity, anesthesia type, and whether bone grafting or additional reconstruction is needed. Tooth extraction ranges from $200–$800 per tooth depending on impaction severity. Dental implant placement typically costs $1,500–$3,000 per implant, not including the crown. Bone grafting adds $300–$1,200. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of extractions and some implant costs, though coverage limits and waiting periods apply. Patients should verify benefits with their insurance carrier before scheduling.
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