Chung Joseph, DDS in Collegedale: Oral Surgery with Same-Day Extractions

Chung Joseph, DDS runs an oral surgery practice in Collegedale focused on tooth extractions, implant placement, and wisdom tooth removal, with in-office IV sedation available for anxious or complex cases.

What this practice actually is

Collegedale Gentle Dentistry operates as a surgical dental office rather than a general cleaning-and-filling practice. Dr. Joseph holds a DDS degree and specializes in extractions and implant dentistry, which distinguishes the practice from neighborhood dentists who handle routine preventive care. The office is located in Collegedale, roughly 10 minutes northeast of downtown Chattanooga, making it accessible to patients in the Ooltewah and North Shore areas without requiring a trip into the city center. The practice accepts referrals from other Chattanooga dentists as well as self-referred patients.

Procedures, sedation options, and what to expect

The practice handles simple and surgical extractions, wisdom tooth removal (including impacted teeth), and implant placement. Patients who experience anxiety during dental procedures or require complex work can opt for in-office IV sedation administered by Dr. Joseph, which differs from local anesthesia alone and allows for deeper relaxation during the appointment. Simple extractions (fully erupted teeth with no bone removal required) typically cost less than surgical extractions, though exact pricing should be confirmed by calling the office directly, as extraction fees depend on tooth complexity and whether bone removal or sectioning is necessary.

Patients needing a tooth pulled usually complete the procedure in a single visit. Implant placement is a separate appointment, and a waiting period of several months follows before a crown can be attached, as bone integration takes time. This timeline differs significantly from a bridge or partial denture, which can be fitted immediately after extraction but requires more ongoing maintenance.

How it compares to other Collegedale and Chattanooga oral surgeons

Collegedale itself has limited specialist options; most Chattanooga residents requiring oral surgery travel either to practices in central Chattanooga or to specialists further east. Mountain Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery operates in central Chattanooga and handles a broader range of cases, including corrective jaw surgery and trauma, if your extraction involves unusual complexity. For straightforward wisdom teeth or implant work, Chung Joseph's location in Collegedale eliminates a 20-minute drive downtown and offers same-day sedation, which smaller offices may not provide. If you live in North Shore, Hixson, or Ooltewah, the Collegedale location saves travel time compared to downtown options.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

This practice works well for patients in the northern Chattanooga suburbs with straightforward extraction or implant needs who prefer to avoid long commutes. It also suits anyone with dental anxiety who wants sedation without a referral to a hospital surgical center. Parents of teenagers needing wisdom tooth removal benefit from the ability to schedule and complete the procedure quickly in one location.

This practice is not a full-service dental home; it does not offer routine cleanings, fillings, or crown work. If you need an extraction and a general dentist handles your ongoing care, you will be referred out for surgery. Patients requiring major reconstructive jaw surgery or complex oral pathology may need a larger oral surgery center.

What the first visit involves

New patients should bring photo ID, insurance information, and any recent X-rays or dental records from their general dentist. Dr. Joseph will review your reason for the visit, take new X-rays if needed, and discuss sedation options and pain management. If an extraction is straightforward, it can often be scheduled immediately or within a few days. If the tooth is impacted or requires surgical removal, Dr. Joseph will explain bone removal or tooth sectioning and confirm the appointment. You will receive pre-operative instructions, such as fasting if you opt for IV sedation.

Hours, location, and parking

The office is located in Collegedale. Hours vary and should be confirmed by phone before your visit, as oral surgery practices often maintain limited daily schedules to allow time between procedures. Parking is typically onsite at the office suite. If you require IV sedation, you must arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as sedation impairs your ability to operate a vehicle.

Chung Joseph, DDS fills a practical gap for North Shore and Collegedale residents who need oral surgery close to home without sacrificing access to sedation and implant expertise.