Oral Surgery in Waco, TX
Surgical treatment for tooth extractions, jaw issues, and other conditions to restore comfort and oral health.
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery covers the procedures that go beyond what a standard tooth filling or dental cleaning can fix. When a tooth is broken below the gumline, when bone loss threatens your jaw, or when Wisdom Teeth Removal needs to happen before crowding gets worse, surgery is often the most direct path to getting you out of pain and back to normal.
At Steven T. Cutbirth DDS in Waco, TX, oral surgery also supports bigger restorative work like Dental Implants. We evaluate the bone, the surrounding tissue, and your overall health before recommending any procedure. Most surgical visits wrap up in under two hours, and detailed aftercare instructions go home with you the same day.
Benefits of Oral Surgery
Oral surgery here in Waco, TX gets the job done right the first time, so you heal up and move on with your life.
Relaxed From Start to Finish
Nobody ought to white-knuckle their way through a dental visit. Sedation dentistry is right there for you, keeping things easy and calm so the whole appointment feels like it flew by.
Fixes the Problem at Its Root
Some dental issues just won't quit until you deal with them head-on. Oral surgery goes straight to the source, whether that's an impacted tooth or a jaw that's been giving you grief for too long.
Quick Recovery, Clear Plan
Most patients are eating soft foods inside 24 hours and back to normal meals within a few days. We walk you through every step so there's no guesswork on the mend.
Who Needs Oral Surgery?
If your dentist has told you a tooth is too damaged or impacted to save, oral surgery is likely the next step. Wisdom teeth that grow sideways, crowd neighboring roots, or trap bacteria beneath the gumline are one of the most common reasons patients in Waco, TX end up in the surgical chair. But it is not just about wisdom teeth. Broken roots, jaw cysts, and teeth fractured below the bone line all call for a surgical approach rather than a simple extraction.
Older teens and adults in their twenties make up a large share of oral surgery patients, yet people of any age may need the procedure. Adults preparing for All-on-4® Dental Implants sometimes require bone recontouring or removal of failing teeth before dental implants placement can begin. The team at Steven T. Cutbirth DDS evaluates each case with detailed imaging so you know exactly what to expect before anything starts.
Advanced Oral Surgery Technology
Cone beam 3D imaging gives us a full view of bone density, nerve pathways, and tooth roots before a single incision is made. Compared to flat x-rays, a cone beam scan shows depth and dimension, which means fewer surprises once the procedure starts. Our team uses this imaging to plan each step with millimeter-level accuracy.
Piezoelectric instruments use ultrasonic vibrations to cut bone without affecting the soft tissue right next to it. The result is less swelling, less bruising, and a recovery that most patients say feels easier than they expected. PRF Treatment can also be placed in the tooth extraction site to support faster, more natural healing.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Oral surgery starts with thorough numbing, and if you'd prefer not to be alert for the procedure, sedation options are available at Steven T. Cutbirth DDS. Once you're comfortable, we work steadily and precisely. Most procedures wrap up in under an hour, and you'll have a team member nearby the whole time checking in on how you're doing.
Afterward, expect some swelling and tenderness for a few days. Ice packs and soft foods go a long way. We send you home with clear recovery instructions specific to your procedure, and a follow-up visit is typically scheduled within a week or two to make sure everything is healing the way it should.
Before Your Appointment
- 01
Arrange a ride home before your appointment, since oral surgery often involves sedation that makes driving unsafe afterward.
- 02
Skip aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood-thinning supplements like fish oil for at least 48 hours before your surgery date.
- 03
Wear a short-sleeved shirt so the clinical team can easily place an IV line or monitor your blood pressure during the procedure.
After Your Appointment
- 01
Bite down on the gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after surgery, replacing it once if bleeding continues past that point.
- 02
Skip brushing near the surgical site for the first 24 hours, then rinse gently with warm salt water after meals for the next week.
- 03
Hold off on exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least 72 hours so the blood clot at the site stays protected.
Real Stories From Patients Who Chose Dr. Steven T. Cutbirth
Choosing a dentist is a big decision. Hear firsthand patient testimonials about the care, comfort, and life changing results they’ve experienced with Dr. Steven T. Cutbirth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fully heal after oral surgery?
Most patients feel back to normal within one to two weeks, though bone and soft tissue continue remodeling for several months beneath the surface. Your dentist will schedule follow-up visits to track healing progress.
Can oral surgery fix a jaw problem that has caused pain for years?
It depends on the cause. Some chronic jaw issues respond well to surgical correction when other treatments haven't helped. Your dentist will review imaging and your history to determine if surgery is the right path for you.
Is oral surgery safe if I have a medical condition like diabetes?
Yes, though your dentist needs a full picture of your health first. Conditions like diabetes can slow healing, so the team at Steven T. Cutbirth DDS coordinates with your physician to adjust the plan and timing.
How soon after oral surgery can I go back to work or exercise?
Most people return to desk work within two to three days. Physical activity like running or lifting should wait about a week so you don't increase blood flow to the surgical site and slow healing.
Are there alternatives to oral surgery for removing a problem tooth?
Sometimes. A damaged tooth may respond to other treatments depending on how much healthy structure remains. But when infection or a fracture reaches below the gumline, Tooth Extractions through oral surgery are often the most predictable solution.
Your Personalized Experience Starts Here
Have questions about your visit or treatment options? Reach out to our team and we'll be happy to assist you within 24 hours.
- (254) 772-5420Phone Number
- Email Address
- 1613 Lake Success Dr, Waco, TX 76710Location
- CLINIC HOURS
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fri-Sun: Closed