Jones J Michael DDS in Chattanooga: Surgical Extractions and Implant Placement

Jones J Michael DDS is a solo oral surgery practice in Chattanooga offering tooth extractions, including surgical removal of impacted teeth, and dental implant placement. The practice operates as a referral-based surgical center, meaning most patients arrive with a referral from their general dentist rather than as walk-ins seeking care for acute pain.

What the practice actually does

Dr. Michael Jones performs the core procedures that define oral surgery: extraction of teeth that cannot be removed in a general dental office, removal of impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth, and implant surgery. The scope is surgical rather than cosmetic or preventive. Unlike a general dentist, an oral surgeon manages cases where tooth roots are curved or deeply embedded, where bone removal is required, or where the patient's anatomy or medical history calls for clinical expertise beyond routine office extraction. Oral surgeons also operate under sedation, which extractions at a general dentist's office often do not involve.

Services and sedation options

Extractions, whether simple or surgical, form the baseline of the practice. Surgical extraction costs vary based on tooth position and complexity. Wisdom teeth removal typically falls into a $200 to $600 per tooth range depending on impaction level and whether anesthesia is factored into the provider's quoted price; confirm the total estimate with the office, as quoted figures may or may not include surgeon fees separately from facility and anesthesia charges. Dental implant placement begins around $1,500 to $3,000 per implant (surgeon fee alone), with the full restoration, including the crown, running significantly higher. These figures change based on bone grafting needs, sinus lift procedures, or other site-specific work; ask for a written estimate before scheduling.

Sedation options at oral surgery practices in Chattanooga typically include local anesthesia with nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the patient's anxiety level and the complexity of the case. Dr. Jones's specific sedation menu is best confirmed directly with the office, as anesthesia protocols vary. Patients with a history of anesthesia complications, severe anxiety, or multiple tooth extractions should discuss sedation details during consultation.

How it compares to other Chattanooga oral surgeons

Chattanooga has several oral surgery options. Vanderbilt-affiliated surgical centers in the region offer academic oversight and access to resident training programs; these typically command higher fees but appeal to patients seeking a teaching environment or managing complex reconstructive cases. Solo practitioners like Jones operate with lower overhead, often resulting in more direct access to the surgeon and potentially faster scheduling for routine cases. Mid-size group practices straddle the two, offering multiple surgeons and expanded hours without the academic infrastructure. For straightforward wisdom tooth removal, a solo practice often delivers similar outcomes at lower cost. For reconstruction after trauma or extensive bone loss, a center with multiple specialists and advanced imaging may justify a longer referral timeline.

Who this practice suits and does not suit

Jones J Michael DDS is appropriate for patients whose general dentist refers them for surgical extraction or implant placement. This includes adults with impacted wisdom teeth, patients missing teeth who are candidates for implant-based restoration, and anyone whose dentition requires extraction beyond the capabilities of a routine office setting. It suits patients comfortable with referral-based care, meaning you will not call this office directly unless already connected through your dentist.

The practice is not suited for emergency care if you need immediate pain relief on a weekend. Oral surgeons are not primary care providers and do not bill themselves as urgent. If you are in acute pain and have no referral, your general dentist or an emergency department is the appropriate starting point.

What the first visit involves

A new patient typically arrives with a referral note from their dentist and, ideally, radiographs (X-rays or CBCT scans). The consultation appointment includes a surgical evaluation, discussion of sedation options, and a written estimate. For extractions, the surgeon assesses whether the tooth can be removed in the routine fashion or whether bone or tooth sectioning is required. For implants, the consultation covers bone volume, sinus proximity, bite relationship, and timeline for restoration (implants require months of osseointegration before the crown is placed). The office will discuss pre-operative instructions, recovery expectations, and any relevant medical history.

Hours, location, and parking

Chattanooga's oral surgery practices typically operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offering extended hours one or two days per week. Parking is generally available at solo and group surgical offices without charge. Confirm the specific address and current hours with the office, as surgical practices occasionally adjust schedules based on surgeon availability.

Jones J Michael DDS occupies a necessary rung in Chattanooga's dental ladder: surgical cases cannot safely wait for a busy general dentist to squeeze them in, and they do not belong in an emergency room. A solo oral surgeon with reasonable scheduling builds a reliable referral path for the city's dentists and their patients.