Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery is a full-service oral surgery practice in Gilbert, Arizona, offering wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. The practice employs board-certified oral surgeons and uses advanced imaging and anesthesia protocols to manage complex surgical cases and routine extractions.
Reviewed by Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery — Gilbert, AZ
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 dental implants, perform bone grafts, correct jaw misalignment, and manage oral pathology. They are licensed to administer IV sedation and general anesthesia, which distinguishes them from general dentists. Oral surgeons handle both routine cases (simple extractions) and complex surgical reconstructions (implant placement in atrophic bone, orthognathic surgery).
Common Procedures Performed by Oral Surgeons
| Procedure |
Typical Use |
Anesthesia Options |
| Wisdom tooth extraction | Impaction, decay, crowding, infection | Local, IV sedation, general |
| Dental implant placement | Single or multiple tooth replacement | Local, IV sedation |
| Bone grafting | Ridge augmentation before implant placement | IV sedation, general |
| Corrective jaw surgery | Severe bite misalignment, sleep apnea | General anesthesia |
| Tooth extraction (surgical) | Impacted or severely decayed teeth | Local, IV sedation, general |
| Pathology removal | Cysts, tumors, benign lesions | Local, IV sedation, general |
How to Choose an Oral Surgeon in Gilbert
Board certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS) indicates the surgeon has passed rigorous written and clinical examinations. Verify credentials through the Arizona Dental Board or the ABOMS website. Ask whether the surgeon has experience with your specific procedure—implant placement, for example, requires additional training in bone anatomy and prosthetic integration. Confirm the facility is accredited (AAAHC or similar) and that the practice offers your preferred anesthesia option. Patient reviews on Google, Healthgrades, and Zocdoc often reflect wait times, staff communication, and post-operative care quality.
What You Can Expect at Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery
Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery provides comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgery services in a modern surgical facility. The practice uses 3D cone-beam CT imaging for surgical planning, allowing surgeons to visualize bone anatomy and nerve position before extraction or implant placement. Patients receive a detailed pre-operative consultation, during which the surgeon reviews imaging, discusses anesthesia options, and explains recovery expectations. The practice offers IV sedation and general anesthesia administered by trained anesthesia providers, reducing anxiety during complex procedures.
Post-operative care includes detailed discharge instructions, pain management protocols, and scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing. The practice coordinates with referring dentists and prosthodontists to ensure continuity of care, particularly for implant cases that require restoration by the general dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?
A dentist completes 4 years of dental school and can perform routine cleanings, fillings, and simple extractions. An oral surgeon completes dental school plus 4–6 years of surgical residency, qualifying them to perform complex extractions, place implants, perform bone grafts, and administer IV sedation or general anesthesia. Oral surgeons manage cases that require advanced surgical technique or anesthesia.
How long does wisdom tooth extraction take?
Simple extractions of erupted teeth typically take 20–30 minutes per tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth requiring bone removal and sectioning may take 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on root anatomy and position. The total appointment time, including pre-operative preparation and post-operative monitoring, is usually 1–2 hours.
What anesthesia options are available?
Oral surgeons offer local anesthesia (numbing injection alone), IV sedation (twilight sleep with IV medication), and general anesthesia (full unconsciousness). The choice depends on the complexity of the procedure, patient anxiety level, and medical history. IV sedation is common for wisdom tooth extraction; general anesthesia is typical for corrective jaw surgery or extensive bone grafting.
How long is recovery after oral surgery?
Most patients experience peak swelling and discomfort in the first 3–5 days. Sutures are removed after 7–10 days. Return to normal diet and exercise varies by procedure: simple extractions allow soft foods within a few days, while implant placement or bone grafting may require 1–2 weeks of dietary restriction. Full bone healing takes 3–6 months, though functional recovery is faster.
What are the risks of oral surgery?
Common minor risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and dry socket (bone exposure after extraction). Serious complications—permanent nerve damage, excessive bleeding, infection—occur in less than 1% of cases. Pre-operative medical screening and adherence to post-operative instructions reduce risk significantly.
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon?
Most dental insurance plans do not require a referral, though some do. Many patients self-refer after consultation with their general dentist. If your dentist recommends oral surgery, ask whether they will submit a referral to facilitate insurance processing and communication.
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