An oral surgeon in Boise, ID diagnoses and surgically treats conditions of the mouth, jaw, and face. Black Pine OMS provides surgical care including tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgery, with board-certified surgeons and in-office anesthesia options.
Reviewed by Black Pine OMS — Boise, ID
What an Oral Surgeon Does
An oral surgeon is a dentist with an additional 4–6 years of surgical training beyond dental school, resulting in a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree plus a certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Oral surgeons diagnose and treat surgical conditions of the mouth, teeth, jaw, face, and neck. Common procedures include extraction of impacted or severely decayed teeth, removal of wisdom teeth, placement of dental implants, correction of bite problems (orthognathic surgery), treatment of jaw joint disorders, and removal of cysts or tumors. They are trained to manage complex cases and administer various levels of anesthesia, from local anesthesia to general anesthesia, in a surgical setting.
When You Need an Oral Surgeon
Your general dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon when a tooth cannot be safely extracted in a dental office, when wisdom teeth are impacted or at risk of infection, when you are a candidate for dental implants, or when you have a jaw deformity affecting function or appearance. Patients with severe dental anxiety often benefit from oral surgeon care because of the availability of sedation and anesthesia options. Additionally, oral surgeons treat traumatic injuries to the face and jaw, sleep apnea-related surgical options, and oral pathology (abnormal tissue growths).
Qualifications to Look For
Board certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS) indicates that a surgeon has completed accredited training, passed rigorous written and oral examinations, and maintains continuing education. Verify that your surgeon holds a current license in Idaho and carries malpractice insurance. Ask whether the practice is accredited by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) or holds accreditation from the American Dental Association (ADA). Experience with your specific procedure—whether wisdom tooth removal, implant placement, or jaw surgery—matters; ask how many procedures the surgeon performs annually.
What You Can Expect at Black Pine OMS
Black Pine OMS is a surgical practice in Boise, ID staffed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons who perform a full range of surgical procedures in an accredited surgical facility. The practice offers multiple anesthesia options, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, allowing patients to choose comfort levels appropriate to their procedure and anxiety level. Patients typically receive a comprehensive consultation before surgery, during which the surgeon reviews imaging (X-rays or CT scans), discusses the procedure, explains risks and benefits, and answers questions. Post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments are standard to monitor healing and address any complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?
A general dentist completes 4 years of dental school and handles routine care: cleanings, fillings, root canals, and simple extractions. An oral surgeon completes dental school plus 4–6 additional years of surgical residency training and is qualified to perform complex extractions, place implants, perform jaw surgery, and manage surgical emergencies. Oral surgeons are trained to administer deeper levels of anesthesia and manage medically complex patients in a surgical setting.
How much does oral surgery cost in Boise?
Cost varies by procedure and complexity. A simple tooth extraction may range from $150–$400, while wisdom tooth removal typically costs $600–$2,000 depending on impaction level and anesthesia. Dental implant placement ranges from $1,500–$3,000 per implant, and orthognathic (jaw) surgery can cost $15,000–$30,000 or more. Most insurance plans cover a portion of surgical extractions and some implant costs; contact your plan and the surgeon’s office for a pre-treatment estimate.
How long is recovery after oral surgery?
Recovery time depends on the procedure. After a simple extraction, most patients return to normal activity within 3–7 days. Wisdom tooth removal typically requires 7–10 days for initial healing, though complete bone healing takes several months. Dental implant placement requires 3–6 months of osseointegration (bone bonding) before the crown is placed. Orthognathic surgery involves 6–12 weeks of restricted diet and activity, with full recovery over several months.
What anesthesia options are available?
Oral surgeons offer local anesthesia (numbing the surgical site), nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild sedation, IV sedation (twilight sleep, where you are drowsy but responsive), and general anesthesia (full unconsciousness). The choice depends on the procedure complexity, patient anxiety, medical history, and patient preference. Your surgeon will discuss which option is safest and most appropriate for your case during the consultation.
Are there risks or complications from oral surgery?
All surgery carries some risk. Common minor complications include swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which resolve within 1–2 weeks. Rare serious complications include infection, excessive bleeding, nerve injury (causing temporary or permanent numbness), and sinus perforation (during upper tooth removal). Your surgeon will review specific risks for your procedure and explain how they minimize them through technique and post-operative care.
How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth should be evaluated by a dentist or oral surgeon. Removal is recommended if they are impacted (stuck beneath the gum or bone), causing pain or swelling, decayed or at high risk of decay, pushing adjacent teeth out of alignment, or associated with cysts or bone loss. Some people have room for healthy wisdom teeth and never need removal; others benefit from early removal to prevent future problems. An X-ray and clinical exam determine whether removal is necessary.