Kevin D. Gross DDS is an oral surgeon operating in Chattanooga who specializes in tooth extractions, dental implants, and wisdom teeth removal, with on-site sedation services available for patients who prefer not to undergo surgical procedures awake.
This is a surgical dental practice distinct from general dentistry. Oral surgeons hold a dental degree plus two to four years of additional surgical training; Gross carries the DDS credential. The scope here centers on procedures that require extraction of bone or tooth, implant placement, and complex removals that a general dentist refers out. The practice functions as both a destination for self-referred patients and a receiving end for referrals from other dental offices across the Chattanooga area.
Kevin D. Gross DDS handles tooth extractions (simple and surgical), wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, and pre-implant bone grafting when the jaw has insufficient volume. The practice offers multiple sedation tiers: local anesthesia alone, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) combined with local anesthesia, and IV sedation administered by a trained anesthesia provider. IV sedation is the deepest option available in a dental office setting short of general anesthesia in a hospital. Pricing varies substantially by procedure and sedation level. Routine extractions under local anesthesia are least expensive; wisdom teeth removal ranges from approximately $800 to $2,000 per tooth depending on position and complexity; implant placement runs $1,200 to $2,500 per implant, not including the implant crown itself (typically $1,000 to $1,500 more). Sedation adds $300 to $1,000 to a procedure cost. Verify current fees with the office, as surgical material costs fluctuate.
Chattanooga has several oral surgeons. Gross operates independently; other providers include surgeons affiliated with larger dental groups or hospital-based maxillofacial surgeons (who handle more complex trauma and reconstruction). Hospital-based surgeons are necessary when a patient requires general anesthesia or has complex medical needs, but they are less accessible for routine extractions and implants. Independent surgeons like Gross typically offer faster scheduling for routine cases and more personalized attention. If your extraction or implant is straightforward and you prefer not to navigate a hospital system, an independent surgeon is usually the more direct choice. If you need bone reconstruction, complex tumor work, or have severe medical comorbidities, a hospital-affiliated maxillofacial surgeon becomes the correct referral.
This practice suits patients with missing teeth considering implants, those requiring wisdom teeth removal, and anyone whose general dentist has recommended extraction. It also suits patients who experience dental anxiety and prefer sedation. The practice does not perform orthodontics, cosmetic procedures, or general preventive care. It is not equipped for complex facial trauma or oral cancer surgery; those cases require hospital-level care.
New patients should bring insurance information and any recent dental records or referral documentation from their general dentist. The initial appointment includes a clinical examination, imaging (intraoral X-rays or CBCT scan if bone structure assessment is needed for implants), and a discussion of treatment options. If extraction is scheduled, the surgeon discusses anesthesia and sedation choices. If implant placement is planned, the surgeon evaluates bone volume and may recommend preliminary bone grafting. The appointment typically runs 30 to 45 minutes. Scheduling for a surgical procedure usually occurs at a second appointment after treatment planning.
Verify hours directly with the office, as surgical scheduling often differs from general dentistry hours (some offices reserve specific days for surgical cases). Most Chattanooga dental offices in suburban locations offer dedicated parking. Confirm parking availability and accessibility when you call to schedule.
For a patient requiring extraction or implant surgery, choosing an experienced independent oral surgeon reduces wait times and the friction of referral to a larger system while maintaining immediate access to hospital-level sedation. This practice fills a clear gap between routine dentistry and hospital-based maxillofacial surgery.
