Oral Surgery

Extraction is recommended when a tooth cannot be saved through restorative means such as a filling, crown, or root canal. Common reasons include severe decay that has compromised too much of the tooth structure, advanced gum disease that has caused significant bone loss around the tooth, a fracture that extends below the gumline, or an impacted wisdom tooth causing crowding, pain, or infection risk. Dr. Nelson always evaluates whether a tooth can be preserved before recommending extraction, as saving a natural tooth is the preferred outcome whenever it is clinically viable.

Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness and some swelling in the first two to three days following an extraction, which resolves on its own with rest and over-the-counter pain relief. Dr. Nelson’s team provides detailed aftercare instructions covering what to eat, how to keep the site clean, and what signs to watch for. Patients should avoid smoking, using a straw, or any activity that could dislodge the blood clot forming at the site, as this can lead to a painful condition called dry socket. Most patients return to normal daily activity within a day or two.

A sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the upper back teeth, between the jaw and the maxillary sinuses that sit on either side of the nose. When teeth in this area are lost, the sinus can expand downward into the space left behind, leaving insufficient bone height for an implant post to be placed safely. A sinus lift repositions the sinus membrane upward and fills the space with bone graft material, allowing new bone to grow and creating a stable foundation for implant placement. The procedure is typically performed several months before implant surgery to allow full healing.

Both procedures rebuild bone volume to support dental implants, but they address different situations. Bone grafting is used when there is insufficient bone width, height, or density at an implant site anywhere in the mouth, most often due to bone loss following tooth extraction or gum disease. A sinus lift is a advanced form of bone augmentation specific to the upper jaw, where the proximity of the sinus cavity creates an additional anatomical challenge. In some cases, a patient may require both procedures. Dr. Nelson will identify exactly what is needed through 3D imaging during the implant planning process.

Bone graft material can come from several sources depending on the patient’s situation and the volume of bone needed. Options include processed bone from a donor source, synthetic bone substitute materials, or in some cases bone harvested from another area of the patient’s own body. Each type has well-documented clinical outcomes and Dr. Nelson will explain the options and make a recommendation based on the specific procedure and patient factors. All donor and synthetic materials used at the practice are FDA-regulated and have extensive safety records.

Healing timelines vary based on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient, but most patients require four to nine months of healing after a sinus lift or bone graft before implant surgery can proceed. This allows the graft material to fully integrate with the existing bone and create a stable, dense foundation. Follow-up imaging is used to confirm that adequate bone has formed before moving forward with implant placement. Dr. Nelson builds this timeline into the overall treatment plan from the start so patients have a clear picture of the full process before committing.

Costs vary based on the complexity of the procedure and whether sedation is used. Simple extractions are among the more affordable surgical procedures, while sinus lifts and bone grafting involve more planning, surgical time, and materials. Many PPO insurance plans provide partial coverage for extractions and may contribute toward medically necessary surgical procedures. CareCredit financing is available for patients who prefer a flexible payment option. Dr. Nelson’s team will provide a complete, itemized estimate before any procedure so patients can make informed decisions without financial surprises.