Charles W. Bivens, DDS in Chattanooga: Oral Surgeon for Extractions and Implant Placement

Charles W. Bivens, DDS is an oral surgeon based in Chattanooga who performs tooth extractions, dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, and related surgical procedures. His practice sits in the smaller tier of Chattanooga's oral surgery options, distinct from large group practices and specialist referral centers but focused entirely on surgical rather than general dentistry care.

What Charles W. Bivens, DDS Actually Offers

This is a single-provider oral surgery practice. Bivens holds a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree and works as an independent practitioner rather than as part of a larger dental group or hospital system. The practice handles cases that general dentists refer out, such as patients needing wisdom teeth extracted, those with impacted or surgical extractions, and candidates for implant placement. It does not provide routine cleanings, fillings, or general preventive care.

The scope centers on extraction and implant work specifically. Unlike general dentistry practices that refer complex cases elsewhere, this is where those referrals come to. The independent model means shorter wait times between referral and consultation compared to patients contending with scheduling bottlenecks at large group practices.

Procedures, Sedation Options, and Pricing

Bivens performs simple and surgical extractions (including wisdom teeth), bone grafting for implant site preparation, and implant placement. Sedation options typically include local anesthesia alone or local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (laughing gas). IV sedation (general anesthesia) availability should be confirmed directly with the office, as it depends on staff credentials and office setup.

Specific pricing is not publicly listed. Extraction costs in Chattanooga range from $150 to $300 for simple extractions and $300 to $800 for surgical extractions, depending on complexity and sedation. Implant placement typically runs $1,500 to $2,500 per implant, not including the abutment and crown. Since Bivens is a single provider rather than a network practice, he may negotiate directly with patients without insurance. Call to request a fee schedule or ask your referring dentist for estimate expectations.

How This Compares to Other Chattanooga Oral Surgeons

Chattanooga has multiple oral surgery options. Larger group practices like those affiliated with major dental offices offer more practitioners, same-day emergency slots, and office systems designed for high volume. They handle routine extractions quickly but may have longer waits for consultations or specialized work. Solo practitioners like Bivens typically allow direct communication with the surgeon, no middleman scheduling, and more flexibility with complex or non-standard cases.

Choose a large group practice if you need speed and multiple appointment times. Choose Bivens if you prefer working directly with one surgeon, anticipate a complex extraction, or want implant planning that involves detailed bone evaluation and custom timing rather than assembly-line placement.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

This practice suits patients referred by their general dentist for extraction or implant work, people with impacted or difficult wisdom teeth, and candidates evaluating implant options. It works well for patients who prefer continuity with one surgeon and do not require extensive pre-operative imaging (which would be done at a referring office).

It does not suit patients seeking emergency-room-level access for severe pain, patients needing IV sedation without prior confirmation of office capability, or those without an existing referral or relationship with a referring dentist. It also does not handle general dental problems; patients need a general dentist for ongoing care.

The First Visit

A first visit begins with a referral from your general dentist, who submits records and imaging (X-rays or cone-beam CT scans). Bivens reviews the case and either schedules a consultation or provides an estimate. The consultation involves examination, discussion of sedation options, and a treatment plan with timeline and cost. If proceeding, the actual procedure is typically scheduled separately, often within two to four weeks depending on complexity and bone healing needs for implants.

Bring your insurance card and any pre-existing medical conditions to disclose, as these affect sedation eligibility. Allow one to two hours for the initial consultation if bone grafting or implant assessment is involved.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Confirmation of current hours and address is important; contact the office directly to verify before scheduling. Most solo oral surgery practices in Chattanooga operate Monday through Thursday or Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limited weekend or evening availability. Parking and building access depend on the specific location; ask when you call.

Charles W. Bivens, DDS serves Chattanooga patients referred from across the area's dental practices and fills a direct-access role for surgical dentistry without the wait infrastructure of larger groups.