The best oral surgeon for you depends on your specific procedure, insurance coverage, and clinical needs. Summit Oral and Facial Surgery in Aurora offers board-certified oral surgeons with specialized training in implants, extractions, and reconstructive procedures. Evaluate candidates based on credentials, procedure volume, patient outcomes, and whether they accept your insurance.
Reviewed by Summit Oral and Facial Surgery Team — Aurora, CO
How to Evaluate Oral Surgeons in Aurora
Oral surgeons in Colorado must hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree plus a minimum of four years of postgraduate training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Board certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS) indicates the surgeon has passed rigorous written and clinical examinations. Check whether a surgeon is board-certified, how many years they’ve practiced, and whether they maintain active licenses in Colorado. Patient reviews on Google, Healthgrades, and Zocdoc often reflect wait times, staff professionalism, and post-operative communication—factors that matter as much as technical skill.
Common Procedures and Specialization
Different oral surgeons develop different expertise. Some focus heavily on dental implants and have placed thousands; others specialize in wisdom tooth extraction, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, or trauma reconstruction. If you need a specific procedure—such as bone grafting, sinus lift, or complex extractions—ask prospective surgeons how many of that procedure they perform annually. Surgeons who perform a procedure frequently typically report better outcomes and shorter operative times.
| Procedure Type | Typical Complexity | Surgeon Experience to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Simple tooth extraction | Low | General oral surgery training |
| Wisdom tooth removal | Moderate | 500+ extractions annually |
| Dental implant placement | Moderate–High | 200+ implants placed |
| Bone graft or sinus lift | High | Specialized training, 100+ cases |
| Orthognathic surgery | High | Fellowship or advanced certification |
What You Can Expect at Summit Oral and Facial Surgery
Summit Oral and Facial Surgery operates as a dedicated oral surgery practice in Aurora, meaning the entire clinical team focuses exclusively on surgical procedures rather than general dentistry. The practice uses digital imaging, 3D cone-beam CT scans, and surgical planning software to map complex cases before surgery. Patients typically receive a detailed pre-operative consultation where the surgeon reviews imaging, discusses anesthesia options (local, IV sedation, or general anesthesia), and explains recovery expectations. Post-operative follow-up is standard, with the surgical team monitoring healing and addressing complications if they arise.
How do I know if an oral surgeon is board-certified?
Board certification is verified through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS) website or by asking the surgeon’s office directly. Board-certified surgeons have completed additional training beyond the four-year residency and passed written and clinical board exams. Certification is voluntary but indicates a higher standard of expertise and commitment to continuing education.
What should I ask during a consultation?
Ask how many of your specific procedure the surgeon performs annually, what complication rates they track, what anesthesia options are available, and whether they have hospital privileges (which requires credentialing and malpractice insurance review). Also confirm they accept your insurance and ask about the total cost estimate, including facility fees and anesthesia charges.
Does the surgeon’s location matter?
Location affects convenience and emergency access. A surgeon in Aurora is accessible for pre-operative visits, post-operative follow-ups, and same-day complications. If a surgeon operates at a hospital or surgical center, confirm it is accredited (by The Joint Commission or AAAHC) and that the facility has emergency protocols in place.
What is the difference between an oral surgeon and a general dentist doing extractions?
Oral surgeons complete a four-year surgical residency and are trained to manage complex extractions, impacted teeth, bone removal, and surgical complications including heavy bleeding or nerve injury. General dentists can extract simple teeth but typically refer complex cases to oral surgeons. For wisdom teeth or impacted teeth, an oral surgeon reduces operative time and complication risk.
How long does recovery take after oral surgery?
Recovery timelines vary by procedure. Simple extractions heal in 7–10 days; wisdom tooth removal typically requires 1–2 weeks for initial healing and several months for bone remodeling. Implant placement requires 3–6 months of osseointegration (bone fusion) before crown placement. The surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions and timeline during your consultation.
What are common complications, and how are they managed?
Swelling, bruising, and mild pain are normal. Rare complications include dry socket (after extraction), infection, or temporary nerve numbness. Board-certified surgeons track complication rates and have protocols to manage them. Ask the surgeon about their complication rate for your specific procedure and what steps they take to prevent them.