Alan L. Crisman DDS in Chattanooga: Oral Surgery and Dental Implants

Alan L. Crisman DDS operates as a specialized oral surgery practice in Chattanooga, focusing on surgical tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and the sedation dentistry that makes complex procedures manageable for anxious patients. The practice sits at the intersection of general dentistry and surgical specialist care, handling referrals from local dentists who need extraction or implant expertise while also accepting direct patients who know they require surgical intervention.

What Crisman's Practice Actually Does

Oral surgeons manage procedures that general dentists are not trained or licensed to perform. Crisman's scope includes simple and surgical extractions (including impacted wisdom teeth), dental implant placement with bone grafting when needed, treatment of severe gum disease requiring bone or soft tissue procedures, and jaw pathology. The practice uses sedation (typically nitrous oxide, oral, or IV sedation depending on the procedure and patient anxiety level) to make surgery tolerable, which distinguishes it sharply from a general dentist's in-chair extractions under local anesthetic alone.

Procedures, Sedation Options, and Cost Range

Tooth extractions at oral surgery practices typically range from $150 for a simple extraction under local anesthetic to $300–$500+ for surgical extractions with sedation. Wisdom tooth removal (all four, impacted) commonly runs $1,500–$3,000 depending on complexity and sedation choice. Dental implant placement is the higher-cost service, with single-tooth implants (surgical placement only, not the crown) ranging from $1,500–$2,500. Bone grafts, needed when jawbone is insufficient to hold an implant, add $500–$1,500. Verify current fees by calling; these figures shift with material costs and sedation type.

Sedation options matter substantially in perceived cost and recovery. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the least expensive and allows you to drive yourself home immediately. Oral sedation (a pill taken before the appointment) costs more but produces deeper relaxation; you must arrange a driver. IV sedation is the deepest option, most expensive, and requires a driver and recovery time. General dentists cannot legally administer IV sedation in Tennessee; this is one reason patients are referred to oral surgeons for anxiety-heavy cases.

How Crisman Compares to Other Chattanooga Oral Surgeons

Chattanooga has a limited pool of specialist oral surgeons. Other practices in the area include periodontists (gum specialists) who sometimes perform implant placement, but oral surgeons like Crisman hold the full scope. A periodontist might cost less for a simple implant but cannot handle complex extractions or bone grafting as comprehensively. Within true oral surgery, Crisman's sedation-capable practice is the standard offering; differences tend to be in appointment availability and insurance networks rather than service type. If Crisman's schedule is long or your insurance is not accepted, other Chattanooga oral surgeons (verify current listings with your dentist) can provide similar care, though you should ask specifically whether they offer all three sedation tiers and whether they do bone grafting in-house.

Who Benefits and Who Should Know the Limitations

This practice suits patients with impacted wisdom teeth, severe anxiety around dental work, complex extractions that have failed under a general dentist's care, and those needing implant-based tooth replacement. It also serves as a referral destination; if your general dentist says "you need to see an oral surgeon," Crisman is one option. Patients with simple, non-impacted extractions and no anxiety may find general dentistry faster and cheaper. Those without dental insurance should ask about payment plans; oral surgery is expensive and many offices offer financing through third-party lenders like CareCredit.

What to Expect on the First Visit

A new-patient visit to an oral surgeon typically involves a consultation where the surgeon examines you, reviews imaging (X-rays or CBCT scans to assess bone and tooth position), discusses your medical history and any medications that affect bleeding or healing, and explains the procedure and sedation choice. This appointment often happens without performing surgery. If you already have imaging from your dentist, bring it to avoid duplicate radiation. Expect questions about allergies, anesthesia reactions, and any prior surgical complications. The surgeon will explain recovery (what to eat, activity restrictions, pain management, swelling timeline) and may schedule the actual procedure for another day. For anxiety-level cases, some surgeons offer the consultation to assess candidacy for sedation before committing to the appointment.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Specific hours and parking details should be confirmed directly with the office. Oral surgery appointments typically run 45 minutes to two hours depending on complexity. If you choose sedation, plan to be unavailable for the rest of the day, as driving restriction extends several hours post-appointment. Arrange transport in advance for IV or oral sedation.

Alan L. Crisman DDS fills the surgical extraction and implant niche that general dentistry cannot serve, making it a necessary referral point for Chattanooga patients facing complex tooth removal or implant-based restoration.