Advanced Procedures for Oral Health
At Knoxville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we can help patients maintain their oral health through advanced procedures, using the latest techniques and technology. Oral surgery is often necessary for conditions such as advanced decay or impacted teeth. Surgical procedures may also be recommended when non-surgical treatments are not sufficient for issues such as sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. While many patients may be apprehensive about undergoing surgery, these procedures can be safe, effective, and even virtually painless when provided by an experienced professional. Drs. Emery and Manuel have dedicated their careers to providing the highest level of care at our on-site surgery facility in Knoxville, TN.
To provide safer pain control following oral surgery, we offer EXPAREL®, an opioid-free pain medication that can provide 72 hours of relief.
Request a Consultation
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our Knoxville, TN, oral surgeons.
(865) 584-6207
State-of-the-Art Surgical Center
Some practices do not have their own surgical facilities and must perform their treatments in a hospital. Unfortunately, this system can become highly expensive and inconvenient and can expose patients to more risks such as infection. By performing your procedure at our surgical center, we are able to ensure that every aspect of your care is held to our high standards. Our facility is equipped with advanced tools, technology, and sedation to ensure that our surgeons can effectively complete every stage of your treatment.
Oral Surgery Procedures We Provide
Our surgeons can perform versatile procedures to meet our patients’ unique needs.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Often, wisdom teeth can cause issues when they are impacted or develop at the wrong angle. These occurrences can not only be painful but can also affect the surrounding teeth and cause significant damage. We can provide relief with gentle wisdom tooth removal to protect your oral health.
Dental Implants
Dental implants can be paired with crowns, dental bridges, or dentures to replace missing teeth. These titanium posts are surgically implanted into the jawbone to create a stable foundation for lifelike, durable restorations and create a complete smile with full form and function.
Bone Grafting
Patients without sufficient bone tissue to support dental implants may be candidates for a bone grafting or sinus lift procedure. These procedures add tissue to the jawbone in an effort to create a substantial foundation to secure implant posts.
Tooth Extraction
Severely decayed or damaged teeth are highly susceptible to infection and can often cause patients exceptional pain. Impacted teeth can also lead to serious health concerns that make extraction vital for your health.
Oral Pathology
We conduct both soft and hard tissue biopsies of concerns such as lesions, cysts, tumors, and cancers. We will send these samples to a trusted board-certified pathologist for evaluation.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
If traditional TMJ treatment options have not been effective, our doctors can provide surgical solutions including arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, condylotomy, open arthroplasty, and total joint replacement.
Gum Grafting
This procedure can use your own soft tissues to protect exposed tooth roots or thicken the soft tissue surrounding dental implants. We do not provide gum grafting for cosmetic purposes.
Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft lip and palate can be a complex congenital defect. The complexity of these defects mandates a multi-specialty approach. Dr. Emery can provide safe, modern, and effective cleft lip and palate treatment.
Reconstructive Surgery
Following facial trauma, reconstructive surgery can rebuild areas of the jaw, mouth, or face. Our team can reconstruct the bones, tissues, and muscles in your face to restore function to your mouth and jaw, as well as create a natural-looking appearance.
Additional Oral Surgery Procedures
Expose and Bond of an Impacted Tooth
Frequently, teeth can remain within your jaw despite your orthodontist creating adequate room for eruption. In this procedure, we will remove all interferences, place an orthodontic bracket, and attach a chain for your orthodontist to have access to the tooth. At this point, your orthodontist will guide the tooth into the correct position within the dental arch.
Alveoloplasty
After the removal of teeth, the underlying bone will remodel. In some instances, this will occur haphazardly and result in irregular contours of the bone preventing your dentist from obtaining a good fit for a prosthesis. In this procedure, we reshape the bone to provide a stable base to place conventional dentures or implant-supported dentures.
Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is the removal of the end of a tooth’s root or apex. This is done after your dentist or endodontist has completed a root canal on the offending tooth. If you continue to have pain or swelling in the area despite sound root canal therapy, then an apicoectomy is indicated. Sometimes roots can be complex and have tiny branches that aren’t accessible by conventional root canal treatment. In this procedure, we access and remove the residual infection and end of the tooth root. The end of the root is then sealed.
Palatal and Lingual Tori Excision
Palatal and lingual tori are relatively common and benign bony outgrowths. Some can grow to be quite large. As they grow, the tissue over them can become thin. This can result in small incidental trauma leading to large ulcerations of the bone. These can also interfere with your dentist’s ability to make a partial or full denture. In this procedure, we recontour the bony outgrowths so that the bone has a normal architecture.
Reliable, High-Quality Care
Knoxville Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can provide the surgical care you need to maintain your health. Our surgeons are committed to helping you achieve your goals and will always serve your best interest. If you would like to learn more about our oral surgery services, call us at (865) 240-2977 or contact us online.
(865) 584-6207
Testimonials From Our Patients
We are proud to be able to provide our patients with access to first-rate surgical care, cutting-edge procedures, and an overall outstanding experience.
Dr. Emery did a fantastic job in providing tooth extraction and replacement with a dental implant. I had been anxious and he relieved my concerns immediately. He and his team provided a relatively pain-free experience and were available to answer all my questions quickly and professionally. I was so pleased with them that I took my daughter to Dr. Emery for her wisdom teeth extraction. We were both surprised at how well her pain had been managed and she never had to use opioids! If we need oral surgery again, we know where to go! Thank you, Dr. Emery, Dawn, Amanda, Meghan, Hannah, Wendy, and all the others!
- Lea Alexander
Dr. Emery and his staff are so amazing. They really go the extra mile to make you comfortable and Dr. Emery’s bedside manner is like none I’ve ever seen before! He’s one of those doctors you hope you don’t have to go back to, but will be the ONLY one I do go to if it’s ever needed again. My only complaint is that he’s not in general dentistry because i wouldn’t be so terrified to go to a dentist if it was him. Great guy, great staff, great atmosphere!
- Allison Fritz
I have been terribly afraid of dentistry/oral surgery since having a very bad experience several years ago. When I learned that I had to have an implant, I was so anxious. However, I literally just walked out of this procedure, performed by Dr. Emery, and it was unequivocally the best experience I have ever had as far as my teeth. He was kind, patient, and gentle. I didn’t need sedation or nitrous oxide. I’m thrilled!
- Kari Hester
Meet Our Doctor
At Knoxville Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C., in Knoxville, TN, Dr. Emery has advanced training to ensure that the results of your oral surgery exceed your expectations.
Our Office Locations
We have two office locations in Knoxville, TN.
West Knoxville Location
6207 Highland Pl Way, Ste 207
Knoxville, TN 37919
Directions
Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: (865) 584-6207
North Knoxville Location
2939 Essary Dr, Ste 1
Knoxville, TN 37918
Directions
Hours:
Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: (865) 240-2977
North Knoxville
West Knoxville
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon?
Not necessarily. Many patients come to us after their dentist or orthodontist recommends oral surgery, but you can also reach out on your own if you have symptoms such as a painful wisdom tooth, a damaged tooth, or a sore that is not healing.
To get started, request a consultation at our West Knoxville office or North Knoxville office.
What is the difference between an oral surgeon and a periodontist?
Both are dental specialists, but their training and focus differ. A periodontist specializes in the gums and the structures that support the teeth, treating gum disease, performing gum grafts, and placing some dental implants.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes a hospital-based surgical residency that covers the teeth, jaws, and face, along with extensive training in anesthesia.
Can I eat before oral surgery?
It depends on the type of anesthesia you will receive. If you are having IV sedation or general anesthesia, you must not eat or drink anything, including water, for at least eight hours before your appointment. An empty stomach lowers the risk of complications while you are sedated.
If your procedure will be done with local anesthesia only, eating a light meal beforehand is usually encouraged, since you may not feel like chewing for several hours afterward.
How long does it take to get biopsy results?
Most biopsy results are available within about one to two weeks. After the tissue sample is removed, it is sent to a board-certified pathologist, who examines it under a microscope and prepares a detailed report. Some samples require additional testing, which can add a few days.
Many oral lesions turn out to be benign, but a definitive diagnosis is the only way to know for certain and to catch any concerning changes early.
Do oral surgeons treat children?
Yes. Children and teens often need oral surgery for reasons that go beyond what a general or pediatric dentist typically handles.
Common examples include removing stubborn baby teeth that block adult teeth from coming in, exposing and bonding impacted canines so an orthodontist can guide them into place, and evaluating wisdom teeth during the teen years before problems develop.
Oral surgeons also care for children born with cleft lip and palate, working alongside other specialists over several years.