Is oral surgery painful?

We use local anesthesia to ensure you don't feel pain during your procedure. For patients who experience anxiety or prefer deeper relaxation, we offer oral and IV sedation dentistry options. Most patients report that the procedure itself is far more comfortable than they expected, and any post-operative discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.

Can a general dentist perform oral surgery, or do I need a specialist?

General dentists are trained and qualified to perform many oral surgery procedures, including tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, and minor soft tissue surgeries. At Wood Creek Dental, our experienced dentists handle a wide range of surgical procedures in-office. In rare, complex cases, we coordinate referrals to an oral surgeon near Greenville or Landrum to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Do I need someone to drive me home after oral surgery?

If your procedure involves sedation dentistry, such as oral sedation or IV sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours afterward. If only local anesthesia is used, most patients are able to drive themselves, though we recommend having someone available just in case.

What should I eat after oral surgery?

For the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and lukewarm soup. Avoid using straws, eating crunchy or hard foods, and consuming hot beverages, as these can disturb the surgical site and slow healing. We'll provide a complete list of dietary guidelines before your procedure.

How much does oral surgery cost?

The cost of oral surgery depends on the type and complexity of the procedure. Simple tooth extractions are typically less expensive than surgical extractions or bone grafting. Our team works with most dental insurance plans and will provide a clear cost estimate before your treatment. We also offer payment options to make your care as accessible as possible.

When should I seek emergency oral surgery?

If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, uncontrolled bleeding, significant facial swelling, or a knocked-out tooth, contact our office right away. Wood Creek Dental provides emergency dentist services and can often see urgent surgical cases the same day. Don't wait for pain to worsen. Early treatment can prevent more serious complications.

Is bone grafting necessary before dental implants?

Not always, but bone grafting is recommended when the jawbone has lost density or volume due to tooth loss, extraction, or gum disease. Adequate bone is essential for a dental implant to integrate securely. Our team uses digital imaging to evaluate your bone structure and will recommend grafting only when it's needed for a successful outcome.

Oral Surgery in Greenville & Landrum, SC

Expert Oral Surgery at Your Local Office

When you hear the words "oral surgery," it's natural to feel a little uneasy. At Wood Creek Dental, we understand that, and we want you to know that you're in caring, experienced hands. Our dentists perform a wide range of oral surgery procedures right here at our Greenville and Landrum, SC offices — so there's no need for a referral to an unfamiliar specialist in most cases. You'll be treated by the same family-owned team that already knows your dental history, your comfort preferences, and your name.

For more information about our surgical services, please contact our office.

📞 Greenville Office: 864-288-5300
📞 Landrum Office: 864-457-3425

Oral Surgery Procedures We Offer

Our team provides several types of oral surgery to help restore your oral health, relieve pain, and prepare you for restorative treatments. Whether you need a straightforward tooth extraction or a more involved procedure like bone grafting, we're equipped to help.

Tooth Extraction

Sometimes a tooth is too damaged by decay, fracture, or advanced gum disease to be saved with a filling, crown, or root canal treatment. When that's the case, a tooth extraction is the safest path forward to protect the rest of your smile. Our dentists perform both simple and surgical extractions with a gentle, patient-first approach. Most single-tooth extractions take approximately 30 minutes, and we'll walk you through every step before we begin.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that typically develop between ages 17 and 25, often don't have enough room to emerge properly. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause crowding, infection, cysts, and damage to neighboring teeth. Our team evaluates wisdom teeth with digital imaging to determine whether removal is necessary, and many wisdom teeth removals can be completed right in our office without a separate referral. If you're searching for wisdom teeth removal in Greenville, SC or the surrounding Upstate area, we're here to help.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a procedure that rebuilds or reinforces the jawbone in areas where bone has been lost due to tooth extraction, gum disease, or prolonged tooth absence. A strong jawbone foundation is essential for successful dental implant placement. During a bone graft, biocompatible grafting material is placed at the site to encourage your body's natural bone regeneration. Our team performs bone grafting as part of our comprehensive approach to restorative and implant dentistry.

Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Before certain restorative treatments like dentures or implants, the jawbone or soft tissues may need to be reshaped or smoothed for a proper fit. Pre-prosthetic surgery ensures that your mouth is ready to support your new restoration comfortably and securely. This preparation step can make a meaningful difference in the long-term success and comfort of your dental prosthetics.

Surgical Tooth Exposure

Occasionally, a permanent tooth fails to erupt through the gum on its own. This is most common with upper canines. In these cases, a minor surgical procedure exposes the tooth so that it can be guided into its correct position, often in coordination with orthodontic treatment. Addressing an impacted tooth early helps preserve the natural tooth and avoid more complex treatment later.

Are you anxious about dental surgery?

At Wood Creek Dental, we are committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment for all of our patients, and we don't want anxiety to be a barrier for your dental health. Our Greenville office gladly offers sedation dentistry for those who may require additional interventions due to dental anxiety. If you need dental surgery but are struggling with anxiety about the procedure, please contact us to learn more about your options.

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What to Expect Before and After Oral Surgery

Preparation and recovery are just as important as the procedure itself. Before your oral surgery appointment, our team will review your medical history, take any necessary imaging, and provide detailed pre-operative instructions — including guidelines on eating, medications, and what to wear for comfort.

After your procedure, we'll send you home with clear, written aftercare instructions tailored to your specific surgery. Most patients can manage recovery comfortably at home with prescribed or over-the-counter pain management. We recommend planning for rest, soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activity for the first 24 to 48 hours. Swelling and minor discomfort are normal and typically improve within a few days.

Our office is always just a phone call away if you have questions during your recovery. We schedule follow-up visits to check your healing and make sure everything is progressing as expected. At Wood Creek Dental, we don't just perform the procedure — we walk beside you through every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery

Is oral surgery painful?
We use local anesthesia to ensure you don't feel pain during your procedure. For patients who experience anxiety or prefer deeper relaxation, we offer oral and IV sedation dentistry options. Most patients report that the procedure itself is far more comfortable than they expected, and any post-operative discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
Can a general dentist perform oral surgery, or do I need a specialist?
General dentists are trained and qualified to perform many oral surgery procedures, including tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, and minor soft tissue surgeries. At Wood Creek Dental, our experienced dentists handle a wide range of surgical procedures in-office. In rare, complex cases, we coordinate referrals to an oral surgeon near Greenville or Landrum to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Do I need someone to drive me home after oral surgery?
If your procedure involves sedation dentistry, such as oral sedation or IV sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours afterward. If only local anesthesia is used, most patients are able to drive themselves, though we recommend having someone available just in case.
What should I eat after oral surgery?
For the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and lukewarm soup. Avoid using straws, eating crunchy or hard foods, and consuming hot beverages, as these can disturb the surgical site and slow healing. We'll provide a complete list of dietary guidelines before your procedure.
How much does oral surgery cost?
The cost of oral surgery depends on the type and complexity of the procedure. Simple tooth extractions are typically less expensive than surgical extractions or bone grafting. Our team works with most dental insurance plans and will provide a clear cost estimate before your treatment. We also offer payment options to make your care as accessible as possible.
When should I seek emergency oral surgery?
If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, uncontrolled bleeding, significant facial swelling, or a knocked-out tooth, contact our office right away. Wood Creek Dental provides emergency dentist services and can often see urgent surgical cases the same day. Don't wait for pain to worsen. Early treatment can prevent more serious complications.
Is bone grafting necessary before dental implants?
Not always, but bone grafting is recommended when the jawbone has lost density or volume due to tooth loss, extraction, or gum disease. Adequate bone is essential for a dental implant to integrate securely. Our team uses digital imaging to evaluate your bone structure and will recommend grafting only when it's needed for a successful outcome.

Ready to Talk About Your Oral Surgery Options?

Whether you need a tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal, or bone grafting, our caring team is here to guide you through every step. Schedule a consultation at our Greenville or Landrum, SC office today.

Make an appointment in Greenville
Make an appointment in Landrum