Oral Surgery

We handle a range of oral surgical procedures right here in Powder Springs, so most patients don’t need to travel to a separate facility or navigate an outside referral. The procedures we perform are purposeful, and each one is explained to you fully before any treatment begins.

The surgical services we provide include tooth extractions, wisdom tooth removal, bone grafting, and pre-prosthetic surgery. Here is what each one means for you:

• Tooth extractions: When a tooth is too damaged or decayed to restore, removing it is often the healthiest path forward. Simple extractions address teeth that are fully visible and accessible. Surgical extractions are used when a tooth is broken at the gumline or more involved to remove safely.
• Wisdom tooth removal: Third molars often erupt at angles that crowd neighboring teeth or become partially trapped beneath the gumline. Removing them early prevents pain, shifting, and infection before those problems have a chance to develop. Between Dr. Watts and Dr. Thachil, about 95% of the wisdom teeth cases that come through our office can be handled right here, using one of our sedation levels depending on the complexity of the case. If your wisdom teeth aren’t bothering you, it’s still worth a conversation — impacted teeth that show no symptoms now can still shift or crowd other teeth over time, and removal tends to be more straightforward at a younger age.
• Bone grafting: After an extraction, the jawbone can lose volume over time. A bone graft placed at the extraction site preserves that structure and creates a solid foundation for a future dental implant.
• Pre-prosthetic surgery: If you are preparing for dentures or another restoration through our restorative dentistry services, this procedure reshapes the bone and soft tissue, so your prosthetic fits well and functions the way it should.

 Every one of these procedures can be paired with sedation, and we’ll walk through those options with you before anything is scheduled.

Oral surgery does not have to mean white-knuckling it through the appointment. Our sedation dentistry options give you a real say in how present you want to be, and we help you think through which level fits your situation. 

Level 1: Nitrous Oxide delivers a light, floaty calm that just eases the edge off. You stay awake and aware throughout the visit, and it clears your system quickly so you can drive yourself home. This level is commonly known as nitrous, laughing gas, or simply “gas.”

Level 2: Relaxation Medication is a single pill taken before your appointment. You remain awake and responsive during the procedure, but many patients find they feel much more at ease. You will need to arrange a ride home for this level, and it can be combined with conscious sedation as well.

Level 3: Conscious Sedation uses stronger medication administered in-office. Many patients describe a deeply relaxed, dreamlike state with little to no memory of the visit. A ride home is required.

No level is pushed on you. The conversation about sedation is part of the planning process, and the decision is always yours to make.

Preparation is a meaningful part of how we work. Before your surgical visit, we review your dental and medical history, take any necessary imaging using our 3D CBCT technology, and walk you through what the day will look like in plain terms. Dental extractions are among the most routinely performed procedures in oral care, and patients who understand the steps involved ahead of time tend to feel far more at ease when they arrive.

After surgery, recovery will depend on the specific procedure, but you will leave with clear aftercare instructions so nothing is a guessing game. Mild soreness and some rest are normal. Our team remains available if questions come up during your recovery, and if your surgical care is part of a larger treatment plan, we will map out every next step with you before you leave the office.

Recovery depends on the specific procedure, but most patients can expect some swelling and mild soreness for the first day or two. A few things make the difference between an easy recovery and a rough one: use ice packs in 15 to 20 minute intervals for the first 24 hours to keep swelling down, stick to soft foods and lukewarm liquids for the first day and avoid using a straw since the suction can dislodge the healing clot and lead to a painful dry socket, and take any prescribed medication as directed. We favor non-opioid pain management options where appropriate, reserving stronger medication for cases that need it. Call our office if you notice a fever, bleeding that won’t slow down, or pain that gets worse instead of better after the second day.

Making Oral Surgery Affordable

Cost shouldn’t be the reason you put off a procedure you need. We accept financing through Cherry, CareCredit, and Alpheon, and we offer an in-house membership plan for patients without insurance. Our team will walk you through your options before your surgery is scheduled, not after.