A toothache that keeps you up at night, a wisdom tooth pressing against your jaw, or a fractured molar that no filling can save. These are the moments when oral surgery becomes not just an option but a necessity, and finding the right team to handle your care can make all the difference in your comfort and recovery. Whether you need a complex extraction, bone grafting before an implant, or treatment for an oral infection, the goal is always the same: resolve the problem efficiently so you can get back to your life without lingering pain or complications.
At Dental Group of Chicago, we provide oral surgery services to patients throughout the South Loop and greater Chicagoland area. Our office at 1556 South Michigan Avenue offers general dentistry services alongside surgical procedures, all under one roof. We understand that your schedule is demanding, which is why we are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays, giving you the flexibility to receive care when it works for you.
When Oral Surgery Becomes Necessary
Sometimes a tooth simply cannot be saved. Advanced decay, severe infection, trauma, or overcrowding can all lead to a situation where surgical intervention is the most effective path forward. Oral surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to address problems that go beyond what a standard cleaning or filling can fix.
Common Reasons for Oral Surgery
Our team evaluates each patient individually to determine whether surgery is the right course of action. Some of the most frequent reasons patients require oral surgery include:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: third molars that are trapped beneath the gum line or growing at an angle into neighboring teeth
- Severely damaged teeth: fractures or decay that extend below the gum line, making restoration impractical
- Preparation for dental implants: bone grafting or socket preservation to create a stable foundation for future implant placement
- Oral infections: abscesses or cysts that require surgical drainage or removal of affected tissue
- Tooth overcrowding: removal of one or more teeth to support orthodontic treatment plans
Each of these situations calls for a tailored approach, and we work closely with you to explain every step of the process before your procedure begins.
What to Expect During an Oral Surgery Procedure
Walking into a surgical appointment can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never had oral surgery before. We prioritize your comfort from the moment you arrive.
Before the Procedure
Your appointment begins with a thorough evaluation, including digital scans and X-rays, to give us a complete picture of your oral health. We discuss your medical history, any medications you are currently taking, and the sedation options available to you. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 90% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have experienced tooth decay, and untreated decay is one of the leading reasons patients eventually require surgical intervention. Catching these issues early through routine exams can help you avoid more involved procedures down the road.
During and After Surgery
Once sedation is administered and the area is numbed, our team performs the procedure with precision and care. For a tooth extraction, we gently loosen the tooth within its socket before removing it, minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue. Recovery instructions are provided before you leave, covering everything from managing swelling to dietary guidelines for the first few days. Most patients are able to return to their normal routines within a few days, though healing times vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Oral Surgery and Your Long-Term Dental Health
Oral surgery is rarely a standalone event. It is often one step in a larger treatment plan designed to restore your smile and protect your oral health for years to come.
Replacing Missing Teeth
After a tooth is removed, the space left behind can lead to shifting of the surrounding teeth, bone loss in the jaw, and difficulty chewing. Dental implants in South Loop offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that preserves jawbone density and restores full function. In many cases, we can begin planning your implant placement shortly after the extraction site has healed.
Saving Teeth When Possible
Not every dental problem requires surgery. In some cases, root canal therapy can save a tooth that has become infected, eliminating the need for extraction entirely. Our team always explores conservative treatment options first and recommends surgery only when it is genuinely the best solution for your health.
Why South Loop Patients Choose Dental Group of Chicago for Oral Surgery
Choosing where to have oral surgery is a significant decision, and we take that trust seriously. Our practice is built around accessibility. With extended weekday hours and Saturday availability, we make it possible for busy professionals, students, and families in the South Loop to receive timely care without rearranging their entire week. If you are experiencing a dental emergency that requires urgent surgical attention, our schedule allows us to see you quickly rather than making you wait days for an opening.
We accept a wide variety of insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Metlife, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Guardian, United Healthcare, and more. We also offer a $99 initial cleaning, comprehensive exam, and full set of digital X-rays for new patients without insurance, making it easy to take that first step toward better oral health.
Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation at Dental Group of Chicago
Your oral health affects everything from how you eat to how you feel each day, and putting off necessary treatment only allows small problems to grow into larger ones. Our doctors bring expertise across the full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry, and we are here to guide you through every stage of your care with transparency and compassion.
If you are dealing with tooth pain, swelling, or a condition that may require oral surgery, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We are conveniently located in the South Loop and ready to help you find relief.
