Long Martin K DDS in Chattanooga: Referral-Based Oral Surgery for Tooth Extractions and Implant Placement

Long Martin K DDS is a referral-based oral surgery practice in Chattanooga handling surgical extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and dental implant placement. Unlike general dentists who perform routine cleanings and fillings, oral surgeons focus on the procedures that require hospital-level equipment or sedation, and this practice sits among a small set of specialized surgical providers in the area.

What this practice actually is

Oral surgeons are dentists with an additional 4 to 6 years of specialized training in hospital and surgical anesthesia, complex extractions, and reconstructive work. Long Martin K DDS operates in this surgical specialty, taking referrals from general dentists and periodontists across Chattanooga and surrounding counties. The practice does not accept walk-in patients or handle routine preventive care; you will come here only after your general dentist or periodontist has determined you need a surgical procedure.

Services and sedation options

The practice provides surgical tooth extractions (including impacted wisdom teeth), dental implant placement, and bone grafting when implant placement requires site preparation. Specific pricing for each procedure changes based on complexity and insurance coverage, so you should confirm fees directly. Many oral surgeons in Chattanooga offer tiered sedation options (local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia), and sedation level affects both the final cost and what you can and cannot do after the appointment. You should ask your referring dentist what sedation option the surgeon recommends for your procedure, as more complex cases often require deeper sedation.

How it compares to other Chattanooga oral surgeons

Chattanooga has a limited oral surgery landscape. Long Martin K DDS competes with a handful of other surgical practices, including other referral-based surgeons in the area. When choosing between surgeons, consider surgeon training (some completed residencies at academic medical centers; others completed hospital-based fellowships), whether the practice specializes in implant work or handles mixed surgical cases, and whether your insurance is in-network. Ask your referring dentist which surgeon they recommend for your specific case, as some surgeons develop deeper expertise in implant placement, complex bone grafting, or extractions of impacted teeth.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

If your dentist or periodontist has referred you for an extraction, wisdom tooth removal, or implant placement, Long Martin K DDS is where you will go. If you are looking for a place to get a routine cleaning, cavity filling, or your first dental exam, this is not the place; see your general dentist instead. The practice is built for people who have already been evaluated and cleared for surgery by another dental provider. If you have anxiety about dental procedures, ask your referring dentist what sedation options the surgeon offers before your appointment.

What the first visit involves

Your referring dentist will send records and imaging (usually a panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan) to the surgeon's office ahead of time. At your appointment, the surgeon will review the images with you, confirm the procedure, discuss sedation options, and review pre-operative instructions (you may need to stop certain medications or avoid food before the appointment, depending on sedation level). If you are having a surgical extraction, expect the appointment to take 30 to 60 minutes. For implant placement, add 10 to 20 minutes. After deeper sedation, you cannot drive and must arrange a ride home.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Confirm hours directly with the practice, as oral surgery offices often operate on a limited schedule (some open only certain days of the week). Parking and exact location details should be verified when you call to schedule. Ask your referring dentist for the surgeon's phone number, or request that they send your referral and imaging directly to the practice to speed up scheduling.

Long Martin K DDS fills a specific, necessary role in Chattanooga's dental network, handling the surgical work that general dentists cannot perform in their offices. If your dentist has referred you, the surgeon's experience and sedation capabilities matter more than convenience.