If you’ve wondered “what does a oral surgeon do,” this guide explains the specialty and the common procedures they perform. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat problems with the teeth, jaws, face, and mouth that need surgical care. This includes wisdom tooth removal, dental implants and bone grafting, TMJ care, treatment for oral pathology, jaw surgery, facial trauma repair, and some cosmetic and laser procedures. This guide is for patients near Marion and Carbondale, IL who want clear answers about surgical care, what to expect at a consult, and how advanced technology improves safety and outcomes.
What does a oral surgeon do? A quick overview
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists with additional hospital-based surgical training. They handle complex extractions, impacted wisdom teeth, and place dental implants (endosteal and zygomatic implants). They perform bone grafting, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, biopsies for oral pathology, TMJ disorder management, and repair facial trauma. Many also use lasers and advanced surgical tools for precision. Their training prepares them to give office-based anesthesia and coordinate care with hospitals when needed.
Wisdom teeth: when and why removal is needed
Signs you may need removal
Common signs include pain in the back of the mouth, repeated infections, crowding of other teeth, cysts around an impacted tooth, or difficulty keeping the area clean. Not all wisdom teeth must be removed, but an oral surgeon evaluates the risk of future problems.
What the procedure involves
Evaluation begins with imaging, often a panoramic x-ray or CBCT scan. Sedation choices range from local anesthesia to IV sedation depending on complexity and patient comfort. Surgery can require sectioning the tooth and careful bone removal. Recovery usually involves swelling and mild pain for several days; ice, prescribed or over-the-counter pain meds, and a soft diet help. Follow-up checks ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
Dental implants and bone grafting: replacing missing teeth
Types of implants we place
Oral surgeons at this practice place endosteal implants (the most common screw-type implant placed in the jawbone) and zygomatic implants (longer implants anchored in the cheekbone for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss). Endosteal implants suit most candidates; zygomatic implants are for select cases where traditional implants aren’t possible without extensive grafting.
Treatment workflow and timing
Treatment starts with detailed planning using CBCT imaging and dynamic navigation like X-Guide for precise placement. In many cases, a tooth can be extracted and an implant placed in the same visit when clinically appropriate, but careful planning is required first. When bone grafting or healing is needed, implants may be staged to allow proper integration. Important: same-day consult-to-surgery is not offered—your case is reviewed in depth to prioritize health and predictability.
Who places the final restoration?
The oral surgeon places the implant fixture. Your trusted general dentist or prosthodontist then designs and places the final crown, bridge, or denture restoration. The surgeon and your dentist collaborate closely to plan timing and implant positions for the best restorative outcome.
Other common oral and facial surgeries
- Orthognathic (jaw) surgery to correct bite and facial balance - TMJ disorder evaluation and surgical options when needed - Oral pathology biopsies and management of suspicious lesions - Facial trauma repair (fractures of the jaw, cheek, and facial bones) - Laser therapy for periodontal disease and failing implants - Cosmetic facial procedures as part of comprehensive care
How oral surgeons plan care: technology and safety
Advanced tools improve accuracy and safety. Cone Beam CT (CBCT) gives 3D views for planning. X-Guide 3D dynamic navigation helps place implants precisely. Intraoral scanners create digital models for planning. PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) supports healing. PIEZOSURGERY® allows precise bone work while protecting soft tissues. PerioLase® lasers treat periodontal issues and help rescue failing implants. Osstell ISQ measures implant stability to guide timing for restoration. AccuVein® eases IV placement. The team maintains hospital privileges for cases that need an operating room—these elements together increase precision, comfort, and safety.
What to expect at your consultation and during recovery
A consult includes medical history, review of medications, and imaging (CBCT when needed). The surgeon discusses options, risks, and expected timelines. Expect no same-day consult-to-surgery; thoughtful review matters. Sedation choices are explained and tailored to your needs. Recovery varies by procedure: extractions commonly take a few days to a week for initial healing; implant healing and integration can take several weeks to months. Pain control, oral hygiene instructions, and follow-up visits (including implant stability checks with Osstell ISQ) are part of care.
Why choose Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Carbondale for patients near Marion, IL
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Carbondale serves Carbondale and patients near Marion, IL with a focus on precise, patient-centered care. Board-certified Dr. Billy B. Laun II and the team bring over 24 years of combined experience and place more than 600 implants annually. The practice is an X-Nav Center of Excellence and prioritizes thorough planning, comfort, and full-time collaboration with referring dentists. Patients value 24-hour availability, personal cell phone access, and a commitment to delivering maximum value through careful, technology-driven treatment.
Other services offered
- Oral pathology evaluation and biopsies - Orthognathic (jaw) surgery - TMJ care and disorder management - Facial trauma repair - Laser periodontal therapy and implant rescue for failing implants
Next steps: how to get care if you live near Marion or Carbondale, IL
To get started, schedule a consultation and bring recent x-rays or notes from your general dentist. The surgeon will collaborate with your local dentist for the final restoration after implant placement. Careful planning and clear communication between your surgeon and dentist lead to better, long-lasting results. If you live in Marion or nearby counties (Jackson, Williamson, Johnson, Union, Franklin, Perry, or Randolph), call or request a consult to discuss your options and next steps.
