You usually won’t feel pain during oral surgery because the area is numbed with local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your needs and the procedure. Most people notice pressure or movement, not sharp pain. After surgery, it’s normal to have some soreness, swelling, or bruising for a few days, but this can be managed with medication, ice, and rest. Dr. Matthew Schacht, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Denver OMS, adjusts anesthesia and sedation for each patient, and most people say their recovery goes smoothly.

That depends on your specific dental or facial issue, but common reasons patients need oral surgery include impacted wisdom teeth, missing teeth requiring implants, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, oral pathology such as cysts or lesions, and cases where a tooth extraction is too complex for a general dentist to handle safely. Many patients are referred by their general dentist or orthodontist, though a referral isn’t required to schedule a consultation. A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon can evaluate your case with imaging and an exam to determine whether surgery is necessary or whether a less invasive option is appropriate.

The type of sedation you get depends on how complex the procedure is and what makes you comfortable. Local anesthesia numbs just the area being treated and is used for simple procedures. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, helps you relax along with local anesthesia. IV sedation makes you deeply relaxed and is often used for wisdom teeth removal, implants, or more involved surgeries. General anesthesia puts you fully asleep and is usually used for complex surgeries like facial trauma repair or jaw reconstruction. Dr. Matthew Schacht and the Denver OMS team look at your medical history and the procedure to recommend the safest and most comfortable option.

The cost of oral surgery can vary a lot based on the procedure, the type of sedation or anesthesia used, and how complex your case is. For example, wisdom tooth removal or a single implant usually costs less than facial trauma reconstruction or full-arch implants. Insurance also makes a difference—dental insurance may help with extractions or implants, while medical insurance might cover trauma cases. Most oral surgery offices, including Denver OMS, will review your case and insurance during your consultation and give you a personalized cost estimate instead of a flat rate.

Denver Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, led by board-certified surgeon Dr. Matthew Schacht, has locations in Denver, Boulder, and Brighton. Dr. Schacht earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital under Dr. Robert Marx, and finished a fellowship in Dallas focused on TMJ and orthognathic surgery. He also holds surgical privileges at several major Denver-area hospitals and serves as part-time faculty at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. No referral is required, and you can reach the office directly at (303) 341-7151.

Plan on a liquid or soft diet for the first few days after most oral surgery procedures, since chewing near the surgical site can slow healing or cause irritation. Smoothies, broth, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups work well early on, and staying hydrated matters just as much as what you eat, since reduced food intake in the first day or two can lead to dehydration if fluids aren’t increased to make up for it. Avoid using a straw for at least a few days, since the suction can dislodge a healing blood clot and lead to more bleeding or a painful dry socket. As swelling and soreness improve, usually within a week for most procedures, you can gradually reintroduce soft-cooked foods before returning to a normal diet. The exact timeline depends on the specific surgery, so your surgeon will give you guidance tailored to your recovery.