Terrence M. Major, DDS in Chattanooga: Oral Surgeon Specializing in Complex Extractions and Implant Placement

Terrence M. Major, DDS is a general oral surgeon in Chattanooga offering tooth extractions, implant placement, bone grafting, and wisdom tooth removal under local anesthesia and IV sedation. He operates as a solo practitioner, making him one of the smaller surgical dental offices in the city and a practical choice for patients seeking detailed attention during involved procedures.

What Major's Practice Actually Is

Major runs a focused oral surgery clinic rather than a multi-specialty dental group. His scope centers on surgical tooth removal, dental implant placement and repair, and pre-implant bone grafting. He does not offer routine cleanings or fillings; patients typically arrive on referral from their general dentist or as self-referred adults who know they need surgery. The practice handles both simple extractions for patients with complications and complex surgical cases, including impacted wisdom teeth. His caseload skews toward adults, particularly those with failed or failing teeth who are considering implant rehabilitation.

Procedures, Sedation, and What to Expect in Cost

Extraction fees in Chattanooga oral surgery range from $150 to $400 per tooth depending on impaction level; wisdom tooth removal typically costs $300 to $500 per tooth when impacted. Implant surgery (the placement of the titanium post) runs $1,800 to $2,500 in the Chattanooga market. Bone grafting, required when jawbone has resorbed after tooth loss, adds $500 to $1,200. Major's office accepts most dental insurance plans, and out-of-pocket costs depend on your coverage and deductible status.

Sedation options affect both safety and cost. Local anesthesia alone (Novocain-style numbing) is the baseline; IV sedation, which keeps you drowsy and relaxed during the procedure, adds $300 to $600 to the bill and is recommended for anxious patients or lengthy cases. General anesthesia is not available in an office setting and is reserved for hospital-based surgical centers. Confirm current fees directly with Major's office, as surgical pricing does shift with material and supply costs.

How Major Compares to Other Chattanooga Oral Surgeons

Chattanooga has three main oral surgery options: solo practitioners like Major, group surgical dental clinics with multiple surgeons, and hospital-affiliated surgical centers (typically within Parkridge or Erlanger systems).

Major's solo model means shorter scheduling gaps and direct communication with the surgeon; you will not be handed off to a partner or resident. Continuity matters if complications arise or a follow-up procedure is needed. This setup suits patients who value personal attention and consistency.

Larger group practices and surgical centers often have operating room infrastructure, allowing them to handle cases requiring full anesthesia or same-day complex reconstructions. They tend to absorb emergency cases more readily and may offer faster weekend or same-day slots. Choose a group if you require full sedation, cannot attend multiple visits, or need hospital backup for medical complexity.

Solo practitioners typically have lower overhead, which can translate to modestly lower fees, though pricing varies by surgeon experience and patient complexity. Major's solo status does mean his schedule is his own; if you need surgery in two weeks, availability depends on his current load rather than a large staff's rotation.

Who Major Suits and Who Does Not

Major is well matched to adults with straightforward-to-moderate surgical needs: single or multiple tooth extractions, routine wisdom tooth removal, and implant placement in patients with adequate bone. Anxious patients or those who prefer local anesthesia and a calm, focused setting benefit from his solo environment.

He is a poor fit if you require full general anesthesia, have multiple complex medical comorbidities (cardiac, bleeding disorders, severe sleep apnea), or need same-day full-mouth extractions and grafting. Those cases require hospital credentialing and operating room support. Likewise, very young children or patients with severe developmental disabilities may need pediatric or hospital-based surgical protocols that a general oral surgeon office cannot provide.

What the First Visit Involves

Referral from your dentist is typical but not required; self-referrals are accepted. The first appointment is a consultation: panoramic X-rays, a visual exam, and a discussion of the surgical plan, anesthesia options, recovery timeline, and cost. This visit is usually 30 to 45 minutes and may include a minor fee (often applied to surgery if you proceed). Your general dentist's notes and imaging help, but Major's office will order its own films if needed.

You will review post-operative care: ice for the first 24 hours, elevated head position while sleeping, pain medication (typically ibuprofen and acetaminophen, sometimes a short opioid course), antibiotics if indicated, and activity restrictions. Plan for one to two weeks of swelling and tenderness; most patients return to light work after three to five days. For implant cases, osseointegration (bone fusing to the implant) takes four to six months before a crown is placed.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Terrence M. Major, DDS operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours; specific hours should be confirmed directly with the office. Parking is available on-site or on street; most patients arrange a ride home if they choose IV sedation, as driving restrictions apply for several hours post-procedure.

Insurance pre-authorization is typical for surgical cases; the office usually handles verification and submitting requests, but confirm coverage limits and coinsurance before surgery. Many plans require a waiting period after you join before major services are covered.

Why Major Fits Chattanooga's Oral Surgery Landscape

Chattanooga's relatively small solo oral surgery practices fill a genuine gap between the high-volume group centers and hospital OR cases. Major's direct involvement and focused surgical scope make him a reliable referral point for general dentists managing patients who need extraction or implant care without the complexity or cost of a fully anesthetized hospital procedure.