Oral Surgery in Houston, TX

Oral surgery refers to surgical procedures performed in and around the mouth, teeth, and jaw. At Care Dental in Houston, TX, we handle a range of surgical treatments in our office, including different types of extractions, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, jawbone reshaping, and frenectomies. These go beyond what can be fixed with fillings or simple cleanings.

Dr. Casandra Barnes begins each case with a thorough exam and advanced imaging to pinpoint the issue and decide the best course. We walk you through why surgery is suggested, what the steps involve, and what healing will look like, so you feel informed every step of the way.

Many adults and older teenagers are suitable for in-office oral surgery. We consider your overall mouth health, medical background, current medications, and what the X-rays show. Severe decay, a cracked tooth below the gumline, or teeth that are stuck (impacted) often lead to a surgical recommendation. Gum disease, insufficient jawbone, or a tight frenum can also make surgery the right choice.

Some medical conditions or very complex cases might mean we coordinate with an oral surgeon specialist. In your consultation at our Houston office, we go over these details and help you understand if we can treat you here or if a referral is better for your safety.

We offer several surgical procedures depending on what your situation calls for.

Tooth Extraction: When a tooth is too damaged by decay, infection, or injury to be saved, extraction is necessary. A simple extraction works for a tooth that is visible and easily accessible. A surgical extraction is required if the tooth is broken off at the gumline or hasn't fully emerged from the gum.

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Third molars, or wisdom teeth, often cause trouble when they grow in crooked, get trapped, or push other teeth out of alignment. Taking them out can stop pain, infection, cysts, and damage to nearby teeth.

Bone Grafting: After a tooth is pulled, the jawbone can begin to shrink. A bone graft fills the socket with bone material to keep the height and width of the ridge. This is frequently done when a dental implant is planned for the future.

Jawbone Reshaping (Alveoloplasty): This procedure smooths and evens out the jawbone after extractions, creating a more comfortable and stable base for a denture or partial.

Frenectomy: A frenum is a small fold of tissue that can sometimes be too tight, restricting tongue or lip movement, pulling gums away from teeth, or causing speech issues. Releasing it with a frenectomy can improve mobility and gum health.

Each option is fully discussed with you ahead of time so you understand the reason, the process, and the healing period.

Your surgical appointment begins with a conversation to make sure all your questions are answered. Dr. Barnes reviews your health history and the consent form you signed earlier. Once you're settled, the surgical area is numbed thoroughly with a local anesthetic. If sedation is part of your plan, you'll be relaxed before we start.

The actual steps depend on the procedure, but we explain each phase as we go. If stitches are needed, we tell you what kind and whether they dissolve on their own. Before you head home, we give you written care instructions, any needed prescriptions, and gauze for bleeding control. We also set a follow-up visit to monitor healing and remove non-dissolving stitches.

Healing follows a typical pattern, but the timeline varies based on the surgery and your body. It's normal to feel some tenderness, see a little bleeding, and have swelling for a day or two. We suggest using an ice pack on your face for 15 minutes at a time during the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling. Propping your head up while resting also helps.

Stick to soft, cool foods at first—think yogurt, lukewarm soup, applesauce. Avoid straws, forceful spitting, and smoking because they can dislodge the clot that protects the healing socket, causing a painful dry socket. Pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter medicine, though we may prescribe something stronger for more extensive work. An antibiotic might be given as well.

If you notice pain that gets worse after two days, swelling that increases after 48 hours, heavy bleeding that won't stop, a fever, or a foul taste, call our office at (832) 564-1800 right away. Quick action helps us handle any complications early.

The main advantage of oral surgery is fixing a problem that can't be solved with less invasive care. Pulling a hopeless tooth relieves pain and stops infection from spreading. Removing impacted wisdom teeth protects neighboring molars and lowers the risk of cysts. Bone grafting after extraction preserves the jaw's natural shape, which matters if you plan to get an implant later. Reshaping the jawbone creates a smooth ridge for a more comfortable denture fit. A frenectomy frees up movement for the lip, cheek, or tongue.

These benefits aren't guaranteed; they rely on a correct diagnosis, precise surgical work, and attentive aftercare. We discuss what outcomes you can realistically expect and what limits apply to your situation.

Safe oral surgery starts with an accurate diagnosis. We use detailed imaging to help plan your procedure with precision and avoid unexpected findings during treatment. The scans give us a clear view of tooth roots, bone density, and nearby structures.

While imaging is vital, it's Dr. Barnes's clinical experience and judgment that tie all the information together. She interprets the pictures in light of your overall oral health and explains what the findings mean for your surgery.

What oral surgery costs depends on the specific treatment, its complexity, the type of sedation, and whether additional steps like bone grafting are part of the plan. Because every person's situation is different, we provide a written estimate after your exam, before anything is done.

Care Dental works with many insurance plans, and we check your coverage for you. We'll tell you what your plan pays, any limits, and your out-of-pocket share. Call (832) 564-1800 to schedule a consultation and get a personalized cost breakdown.

If you're living with a painful tooth, noticing wisdom tooth pressure, or have been advised you need surgical treatment, the first move is a consultation. During that visit, Dr. Barnes goes over your dental and medical history, examines your mouth, and takes the necessary images to build a clear picture of your needs. We talk through your concerns, answer your questions, and present options along with what to expect for timing and cost.

Our office is at 3301 Tidwell Rd Suite D, Houston, TX 77093, serving patients from Houston, Aldine, Humble, Spring, North Houston, and Greenspoint. Call (832) 564-1800 to book. We often have same-week openings for urgent issues, and we welcome new patients.