Lewis J David, DDS in Chattanooga: Oral Surgery and Implant Extraction

Dr. Lewis J David operates an oral surgery practice focused on tooth extraction, dental implant placement, and surgical tooth removal in Chattanooga. He works with both referred patients and those seeking direct access to surgical dental care, offering options for managing anxiety during procedures and handling complex cases that exceed general dentistry scope.

What the practice actually is

Dr. David runs a dedicated oral surgery clinic rather than a multi-specialty dental office. Oral surgeons complete an additional 4-6 years of surgical residency beyond dental school and handle procedures that general dentists refer out or decline due to complexity, impaction level, or risk. His practice sits in the segment of Chattanooga dental care that bridges general dentistry and the hospital operating room, handling most cases in an office setting under local or IV sedation.

Procedures and sedation options

Oral surgeons extract teeth in all states of impaction (wisdom teeth, partially buried teeth, severely damaged roots), place dental implants (the artificial tooth root that supports a crown), perform bone grafts to prepare thin jawbone for implants, and manage extraction sites that carry higher surgical risk due to adjacent nerves or sinuses. Sedation levels range from local anesthesia alone (numbing only) to conscious sedation (light twilight where the patient is drowsy but responsive) to general anesthesia (full unconsciousness). The choice depends on procedure length, complexity, and patient anxiety level. Implant placement cost in Chattanooga ranges from $1,800 to $2,800 per implant across providers; extraction-only fees run $150 to $600 depending on impaction and technique. Verify current pricing directly, as surgical fees shift with material and facility costs.

How to choose between local oral surgeons

Chattanooga has other oral surgeons, including practices affiliated with larger dental groups and hospital systems. Direct oral surgeons (those with their own independent practices) typically have longer appointment availability since they do not manage general dentistry overflow. Hospital-affiliated oral surgeons may offer access to operating room facilities for complex cases but often carry longer wait times and may require referral through their primary network. Dr. David's independent model suits patients seeking faster scheduling for straightforward extractions or implant cases; hospital-based surgeons become necessary when a patient has complex medical history or requires full general anesthesia in a monitored setting. Ask whether the surgeon performs the implant crown (the visible tooth part) or refers that to the patient's dentist; some surgeons work exclusively on implant placement, requiring coordination with a restorative dentist afterward.

What the first visit involves

A new-patient consultation includes examination, X-rays (or review of recent imaging the patient brings), discussion of surgical approach and sedation options, and cost estimate. If a patient is referred by another dentist, that office may send records ahead. The surgeon explains recovery time (typically a few days to a week of swelling and soreness for extraction, longer for bone graft or implant healing), post-operative restrictions (no smoking, heat exposure, or strenuous activity for specified periods), and pain management approach. Patients needing IV sedation must arrange a driver and cannot operate vehicles for the remainder of the day.

Who it suits and who it does not

This practice works well for patients with dental anxiety who benefit from sedation for extraction or implant care, adults with impacted or complicated wisdom teeth, and those whose general dentist has already recommended surgical extraction. It is not appropriate for routine cleanings, cavity filling, or crown work, which remain within general dentistry. Patients with severe medical history (uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, heart conditions) may need hospital-based surgical care instead.

Hours and logistics

Verify hours directly with the practice, as surgical schedules often run fewer days per week than general dental offices and may block time for operating room access. Most oral surgery offices operate by appointment only, with limited or no same-day walk-in availability. Parking is generally available at the practice location; confirm accessibility before the first visit if parking is a specific concern.

Dr. David's independent oral surgery practice fills a necessary niche in Chattanooga for patients needing extraction or implant placement without unnecessary hospital expense or the delays of larger referral networks.