🩺 General Practice & Procedures FAQs
We're thrilled to provide you with expert care in a professional yet friendly environment. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you learn more about our practice, services, and what to expect during your visits.
General Practice Information
Yes, Dr. McElveen is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over a decade of clinical experience.
Our specialties include: Extractions, bone grafts, dental implants, sinus lifts, jaw surgery (both simple and complex), TMJ dysfunction management, facial trauma and reconstruction, oral and facial biopsies, IV and general anesthesia.
Most procedures are done in-office. However, if needed, we also perform surgeries in hospital settings.
Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.
We strictly follow OSHA guidelines to ensure top-tier sterilization and safety protocols.
Consultation & Appointments
Generally, yes—from your dentist or physician. For certain cases, walk-ins are welcome without referrals.
Photo ID, insurance card, referral (if applicable), and any relevant X-rays.
Yes, if needed—X-rays are standard for extractions, implants, and complex cases. 3D scans may be recommended based on your provider's discretion.
15–60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case.
As soon as you're ready! Some cases may require medical clearance, which could affect same-day availability.
Medical & Procedural Details
IV sedation, conscious oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and local anesthesia.
Our qualified surgeons and support staff. For complex cases, a board-certified CRNA or anesthesiologist may be present.
Trust & Comfort
We offer pre-appointment medication to help ease anxiety.
A 24-hour on-call surgeon is available for pre- or post-operative concerns.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Over 1,000 wisdom tooth extractions annually.
Yes, we handle both simple and impacted wisdom teeth extractions.
Yes, if complications arise.
3D scans are standard for wisdom tooth evaluations.
Infections, cysts, pain, dental crowding, and more.
Typically 15–20 minutes for uncomplicated cases.
Your choice of local or IV sedation, based on your preference and medical history.
Soft diet for 72 hours, ice packs for swelling, and clear instructions for home care.
Dental Implants
Over 600 implants placed annually with a 90–95% success rate.
We handle surgical placement and collaborate with restorative dentists as needed.
Through clinical and radiographic evaluations.
Bone grafting is recommended if insufficient bone is present. Healing times vary from 2–6 months.
Possible in certain cases, especially after tooth removal.
Biopsy
You could need one if there are abnormal tissue appearances or bony changes on an X-ray. However, a clinical examination is essential before confirming the need for a biopsy.
A clinical examination by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is necessary before making this decision.
Radiographic imaging is needed if there are bone biopsies. In some cases, MRIs are required before soft tissue biopsies.
You will undergo a detailed clinical examination, and sometimes radiographic examinations are taken at the oral and maxillofacial surgery appointment.
The type of biopsy (incisional, excisional, punch, or needle) will be determined during the clinical examination or consultation.
The procedures are performed under local anesthesia or local anesthesia with adjunctive intravenous anesthesia, making them painless.
The duration can vary based on the complexity of the treatment.
In most cases, dissolvable stitches are used. If non-dissolvable stitches are placed, they will be removed at a time specified by the surgeon.
Typically, it takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Aftercare & Recovery
Mild soreness, swelling, and discomfort are common. Bleeding is always controlled before you leave the office.