Daw Dennis Keith DDS in Chattanooga: Comprehensive Oral Surgery for Implants and Extractions

Daw Dennis Keith DDS operates a dedicated oral surgery practice in Chattanooga focused on complex extractions, dental implant placement, and related surgical procedures typically requiring referral from a general dentist or specialist.

What Daw Dennis Keith DDS actually is

This is a surgical dental practice, distinct from general dentistry offices that handle routine cleanings, fillings, and preventive care. Oral surgeons like Keith handle procedures that demand advanced training beyond general dentistry, including wisdom tooth removal, tooth extractions for implant placement, implant surgery itself, and bone grafting when needed to support implants. The practice operates independently rather than as part of a larger hospital or health system, meaning patients are referred here by their primary dentist and then return to that dentist for restorative work like crowns once the surgical phase is complete.

Procedures and sedation options

Daw Dennis Keith DDS offers tooth extraction (both routine and surgical), implant placement, and bone augmentation procedures. The practice provides multiple sedation levels for patient comfort. Local anesthesia is standard for all procedures. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV sedation are available for anxious patients or longer cases; specific pricing for sedation varies by procedure complexity and type used, so confirm costs during consultation. For implant placement specifically, patients should expect the initial surgery followed by a healing period of 3 to 6 months before the permanent crown is placed by their general dentist.

How this compares to other Chattanooga oral surgeons

Chattanooga has a small roster of board-certified oral surgeons. Tennessee Oral Surgery, also in the Chattanooga area, offers similar procedures but is part of a multi-location practice with separate locations for different specialties. Daw Dennis Keith operates as a single practice focused solely on oral surgery, which can mean shorter scheduling delays and continuity of care with one surgeon. Both handle implants, extractions, and sedation; the choice between them often comes down to location convenience and whether a patient prefers a smaller, independent practice versus a larger group. Some patients also see oral surgeons affiliated with major dental groups; these tend to have higher overhead costs reflected in fees. A direct cost comparison requires calling both practices, as surgical fees depend on case difficulty, bone density, and whether grafting is needed.

Who this practice suits and who it doesn't

This practice is appropriate for patients with complex tooth removal needs, those seeking dental implants, and people with significant dental anxiety who benefit from IV sedation. It suits anyone whose general dentist has referred them for surgical extractions (such as impacted wisdom teeth) or implant placement. It is not a first-stop for routine cleanings, fillings, or minor dental work; those patients should see a general dentist first. Patients without a referring dentist may need to start with general care and receive a referral. Insurance coverage for oral surgery varies widely; some plans cover extractions more fully than implants, so verify benefits before scheduling.

What the first visit involves

Most patients arrive with a referral from their general dentist, which should include radiographs or a CBCT scan showing tooth position and bone anatomy. At the initial consultation, the surgeon assesses the specific case (whether a tooth can be removed simply or requires surgical approach, whether bone is present for implant placement), reviews sedation options, discusses timeline, and explains costs. If bone grafting is needed, that is identified at this stage. Patients should bring insurance information and any recent imaging. The consultation is separate from the surgical appointment in most cases, allowing time for questions and planning.

Hours, location, and parking

Specific current hours should be confirmed directly with the practice by phone, as oral surgery schedules often vary based on surgical cases and may include early or late slots for working patients. Chattanooga's urban core has limited parking; ask about patient parking when you call. The practice location and parking details are best verified immediately before scheduling to avoid arrival delays.

Daw Dennis Keith DDS holds a defined role in Chattanooga's dental care system as a surgical specialist, not a competitor to general dentists but a partner they refer to. For patients needing implants or complex extractions, having a local oral surgeon with single-practice focus means streamlined scheduling and consistent care from the same surgeon throughout treatment.