Comfort-Focused Surgical Care
Oral Surgery in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Expert surgical treatment with gentle, personalized care at Wauwatosa Dental Arts.
When dental problems affect the roots, gums, or jawbone, the team at Wauwatosa Dental Arts is here to help. Our in-house oral surgery services combine advanced technology, modern sedation options, and a calm, supportive approach. Patients from Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, Brookfield, West Allis, and nearby communities trust us for efficient, comfortable care close to home.
Oral Surgery
Oral Surgery at Wauwatosa Dental Arts
Oral surgery includes procedures that treat disease, damage, or defects involving the teeth, gums, and jaw. At Wauwatosa Dental Arts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, many of these treatments can be completed right in our office, so you receive coordinated, compassionate care from a team you already know and trust.
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed in and around your mouth, such as removing teeth, reshaping the gums, or rebuilding bone. These treatments are often recommended to relieve pain, prevent infection, protect neighboring teeth, or prepare your smile for future restorations like dental implants.
Common Oral Surgery Procedures We Perform
We provide a wide range of in-house services for teens and adults, tailored to your unique needs and comfort level.
- Tooth Extractions Gentle simple and surgical extractions when a tooth cannot be saved.
- Wisdom Tooth Removal Precise removal of impacted or problematic third molars using advanced imaging and careful planning.
- Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts Procedures that restore jawbone volume and prepare the area for future dental implants.
- Frenectomy (Lip- and Tongue-Tie Release) Quick treatment to loosen tight tissue that may affect speech, comfort, or denture fit.
- Gum Contouring & Other Soft Tissue Surgery Reshaping the gumline for cosmetic or restorative reasons, often combined with periodontal treatment.
Sedation Options for a Calm, Comfortable Visit
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. We offer several levels of anesthesia and sedation so you can feel relaxed and confident throughout your procedure.
- Local Anesthesia Numbs the treatment area so you feel pressure but no pain during surgery.
- Oral Sedation A prescribed pill taken before your appointment to take the edge off anxiety and help you feel deeply relaxed.
- IV Sedation A stronger, closely monitored option that allows you to doze through treatment while we work efficiently.
Advanced Technology for Safer, More Precise Care
Modern technology helps us plan every detail of your surgery, protect surrounding structures, and support smoother, faster healing.
- Cone Beam CT scanner for 3D surgical mapping and risk reduction
- Digital X-rays for immediate, lower-radiation imaging
- Intraoral cameras to show detailed views of teeth and gums
- Dental lasers for minimally invasive soft tissue procedures
- Electric handpieces for quieter, more precise surgical work
- Ultrasonic scalers to gently clean and smooth areas during periodontal surgery
Healing, Follow-Up, and Next Steps
Before you leave, we will review clear post-operative instructions, what to expect as you heal, and how to manage any temporary discomfort or swelling. Most patients return to normal routines within a few days, though more complex procedures may require a longer recovery period. If you live in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, Brookfield, West Allis, or surrounding areas and think you may need oral surgery, call us at (414) 462-3160 to schedule a consultation at Wauwatosa Dental Arts.
The short answer
Oral surgery is any surgical procedure performed in and around the mouth to treat disease, damage or defects involving the teeth, gums and jaw, such as removing teeth, reshaping the gums or rebuilding bone. Treatment is planned with digital X-rays and cone beam CT imaging and carried out under local anesthesia, with oral or IV sedation available if you want to feel more relaxed. It is often recommended to relieve pain, prevent infection, protect neighboring teeth or prepare the mouth for future restorations such as dental implants.
Oral Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a referral for oral surgery at Wauwatosa Dental Arts?
- No, you do not need a referral for most oral surgery procedures. Many common oral surgeries are handled in-house, so your care is coordinated by a team you already know. Both existing and new patients from Wauwatosa and the greater Milwaukee area are welcome.
- How do I know if a tooth needs to be extracted?
- A tooth may need to be extracted if it is badly decayed, fractured below the gumline, loose from advanced gum disease, or cannot be restored with a crown or filling. Your dentist will review your X-rays and discuss your options before recommending removal. They will explain why extraction may be the healthiest choice and how it helps relieve pain and protect your surrounding teeth.
- Will my oral surgery hurt?
- You should not feel pain during oral surgery. The area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia, and oral or IV sedation can be added to help you feel relaxed. Some soreness afterward is normal, and you will receive instructions and medication recommendations to keep you comfortable as you heal.
- How long does recovery usually take?
- Most patients feel significantly better within two to three days after a simple extraction or minor soft tissue procedure. More advanced treatments, like bone grafting or wisdom tooth removal, may require a week or more for full recovery. Before you leave, you will get a timeline based on your specific surgery, along with clear instructions for managing temporary discomfort or swelling.
- Is IV sedation safe?
- Yes, IV sedation is very safe for most healthy patients. Your medical history, medications and vital signs are reviewed beforehand to confirm it is a suitable option. Throughout your visit, your breathing, blood pressure and heart rate are monitored closely.
- What is a bone graft, and why might I need one?
- A bone graft adds or rebuilds bone in areas where it has thinned or been lost, often after an extraction or long-term tooth loss. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone that once held it can gradually shrink, leaving too little bone to anchor an implant. A graft helps support dental implants, protect neighboring teeth and maintain facial structure.
- Will my insurance cover oral surgery?
- Many oral surgery procedures receive partial or full coverage through dental insurance, and some may be eligible under medical plans. Coverage depends on your specific plan and the procedure you need. The team will help verify your benefits, estimate costs and review payment and financing options before treatment begins.
- What financing options are available?
- Flexible financing is available through partners such as CareCredit and Lending Club, and many insurance plans are accepted. Financing lets you spread the cost of treatment over time rather than paying it all at once. The team will work with you to find a payment option that fits your budget.
- Do you remove impacted wisdom teeth?
- Yes, impacted and partially erupted wisdom teeth are removed in-house at the Wauwatosa office. Removal is planned with 3D imaging from a cone beam CT scanner, which gives a full view of the teeth, jaw and surrounding anatomy. Taking out problem wisdom teeth helps prevent pain, infection and crowding.
- How should I prepare for my oral surgery appointment?
- You will receive specific pre-operative instructions based on your procedure and the type of sedation you are having. These may include fasting for a set period, arranging a trusted adult to drive you home, adjusting certain medications and wearing comfortable clothing. If you have questions before your visit, call the office and the team will be happy to help.
Schedule Appointment
Call us at (414) 462-3160 or visit us at 11600 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
