Carico Paul H Jr DDS in Chattanooga: Full-Scope Oral Surgery with In-Office Anesthesia

Carico Paul H Jr DDS is a solo oral surgery practice located in Chattanooga specializing in surgical extractions, implant placement, and dentoalveolar procedures, with on-site IV sedation and nitrous oxide options.

What Carico Paul H Jr DDS actually does

Oral surgery differs from general dentistry in scope and equipment. General dentists handle routine cleanings, fillings, and simple extractions under local anesthetic. Oral surgeons manage complex extractions (impacted teeth, surgical cases), implant surgery, bone grafting, and jaw reconstructive work. Carico operates as an independent practitioner, meaning patients are referred by their general dentist or can self-refer, and surgical cases stay within one office rather than being sent to a larger surgical center. This setup suits patients who want continuity and prefer avoiding a hospital setting for routine oral surgery.

Procedures and sedation options

Carico offers IV sedation on-site, allowing patients to undergo surgery while deeply relaxed or unconscious, with anesthesia managed by staff during the procedure. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also available for patients who prefer lighter sedation. Local anesthesia alone is an option for straightforward cases. Implant placement, which typically runs $1,500 to $2,500 per implant depending on bone grafting needs, can often be completed under IV sedation in a single appointment. Complex extractions and wisdom tooth removal are routine; pricing varies by difficulty and tooth position but generally ranges from $300 to $800 per tooth for surgical extraction. Bone grafting, required when implant sites lack sufficient bone, adds $400 to $1,000 depending on graft material and site size. Ask for a treatment estimate and breakdown at your consultation; these figures change based on individual anatomy.

How Carico compares to other Chattanooga oral surgeons

Chattanooga has a mix of solo practices, group surgical offices, and surgeons affiliated with larger dental centers. Carico's solo-practice model means direct relationships with one surgeon and often shorter scheduling windows than larger multi-provider centers. Premier Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, a group practice in the Chattanooga area, offers multiple surgeons and may provide more scheduling flexibility for urgent cases but typically involves less surgeon continuity. Hospital-based oral surgery (available through Erlanger and Parkridge systems for complex or medically compromised patients) is reserved for cases requiring full OR support, higher anesthesia care levels, or patients with significant medical history. For routine implants, extractions, and minor reconstructive work in an office setting, Carico is a streamlined choice; for multi-surgery cases or patients needing extensive bone work, a group practice may reduce wait times.

Referral and when this practice suits you

Most patients arrive via referral from their general dentist, who recognizes a case needs surgical expertise. Self-referral is accepted; you do not need a formal referral letter to call and schedule a consultation. Carico suits patients who want implant surgery, wisdom tooth extraction, or complex tooth removal handled in a dental office with full sedation options and without a hospital referral process. It is less suited to patients with severe medical comorbidities or complex systemic issues that warrant OR-level anesthesia care; those cases should go through a hospital system. Patients anxious about surgery particularly benefit from IV sedation availability in-house.

What your first visit involves

The initial appointment typically includes a clinical exam, discussion of surgical options and anesthesia choices, and intraoral X-rays or CBCT imaging if not already completed by your referring dentist. Carico will review the specific procedure, recovery expectations, and cost. Many first visits are consultative; surgery is scheduled for a separate appointment. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. Bring insurance information and a list of medications and allergies. If IV sedation is planned, arrange a driver; you cannot drive yourself home the same day.

Hours, location, and logistics

Carico maintains office hours Monday through Thursday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Friday availability. Confirm current hours by phone before booking, as surgical schedules vary. Parking is available on-site or adjacent to the office; street parking is generally not required. The practice accepts most major dental insurance plans; discuss coverage and out-of-pocket costs at consultation, as surgical benefits vary widely by policy. Verify insurance benefits directly with your carrier prior to your visit.

Oral surgeons in Chattanooga range from hospital-based specialists to independent practitioners; Carico's in-office, sedation-equipped model fills the middle ground for patients needing surgical care without institutional overhead.