Southwest Oral Surgery provides expert oral and maxillofacial surgery across Southwest Georgia. An oral surgeon is a specialist who treats problems with the teeth, mouth, jaw, and face that need surgical care.
Our team offers a full range of oral surgery procedures, from dental implants to wisdom teeth removal, with comfortable anesthesia options and careful planning for each patient.
We welcome patients at our Albany, Thomasville, Tifton, and Moultrie offices. Whether you were referred by your dentist or you are seeking care on your own, we are here to help you feel informed and supported at every step.
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Every plan starts with an exam and a clear conversation about your needs. We use digital imaging to plan treatment, review your health history, and answer your questions before anything begins.
Most procedures are performed in our office, with anesthesia administered for your comfort and safety. After surgery, we send you home with simple care instructions and a team you can reach if you have questions.
Dental implants replace missing teeth from the root up. Each implant is a small titanium post that acts like a natural tooth root and holds a crown, bridge, or denture firmly in place. Implants help you chew, speak, and smile with confidence, and they protect the jawbone, which can shrink after tooth loss.
A bone graft rebuilds bone in the jaw so it can support a tooth implant or stay healthy after tooth loss. When a tooth is missing for a while, the bone around it can shrink. A graft adds healthy tissue so the area is strong enough for an implant.
Bone grafting is common and well tolerated. It is often the first step before an implant, and in some cases, it is done at the same time as a tooth extraction to preserve the socket.
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, usually in the late teens or early twenties. They often do not have room to grow, so they can crowd nearby teeth or get stuck under the gums. This can cause pain, swelling, infection, or damage to healthy teeth.
Removing wisdom teeth early, before the roots fully form, can make treatment and recovery easier. Signs it may be time include aching at the back of the mouth, tender or swollen gums, or trouble opening wide.
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Sometimes a tooth is too damaged or decayed to save. A tooth extraction removes the tooth to stop pain and keep infection from spreading to healthy teeth. We always aim to save natural teeth first, and we recommend extraction only when it is the best choice for your health.
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. It can cause loud snoring, restless nights, morning headaches, and daytime tiredness. Over time, untreated sleep apnea raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and other health issues.
When a CPAP machine or oral appliance has not worked or is not a good fit, obstructive sleep apnea surgery can help open the airway and improve breathing.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. It can cause jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth. Stress, teeth grinding, injury, or bite problems can all play a role.
We start with conservative care whenever possible and move to surgery only when it is needed for lasting relief. Our team creates a TMJ treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals.
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Comfort matters during oral surgery. We offer several anesthesia and sedation options, from local numbing to IV sedation and general anesthesia. Your surgeon chooses the safest option based on your procedure, your health, and your comfort, and our team monitors you closely throughout.
Anesthesia and Sedation Options
Oral pathology is the study of unusual changes in the mouth, such as sores, lumps, or spots that do not heal. Regular checks help catch problems like oral cancer sooner, when they are easier to treat. If we find an area of concern, we can perform a biopsy and guide your next steps.
Ready to take the next step? Our team is here to answer your questions and help you plan the right care. Request an appointment online or call us, and we will help you move forward with confidence.
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Will I be asleep during my procedure?
It depends on the procedure and your needs. We offer local numbing, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, and your surgeon helps you choose the safest, most comfortable option.
How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Most people feel better within a few days and return to normal activities within about a week. We give you simple instructions to help you heal comfortably.
Is a bone graft always needed before an implant?
Not always. A bone graft is needed when the jawbone is too thin or has shrunk. We check this during planning and only recommend a graft when it will help.