Charles S. Pesce, DDS in Chattanooga: Oral Surgery with Implant Focus

Charles S. Pesce, DDS is a solo oral surgery practice in Chattanooga offering tooth extractions, dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, and bone grafting procedures, with sedation options available for anxious patients and those undergoing complex work.

What Charles S. Pesce, DDS actually is

Pesce is one of a smaller set of dedicated oral surgeons operating independently in Chattanooga rather than within a large dental group or hospital system. Solo practices of this type typically offer more flexible scheduling and continuity of care with a single surgeon, though they may have more limited hours than multi-provider offices. As an oral surgeon, Pesce holds the DDS degree plus surgical residency training, which qualifies him to perform procedures beyond the scope of general dentistry: extractions ranging from simple to surgical (impacted or severely compromised teeth), implant placement, bone and soft tissue grafts, and jaw reconstruction. Most general dentists in Chattanooga refer complex cases out; Pesce's practice absorbs that referral base.

Services and sedation options

Pesce handles routine extractions, wisdom tooth surgery, dental implant placement, and pre-implant bone grafting. He also performs guided bone regeneration and soft tissue grafting to support implant success when jawbone has receded or atrophied.

Sedation during surgery ranges from local anesthetic alone (for simple cases) to nitrous oxide, oral sedation (prescribed medication taken before the appointment), and IV sedation for more complex or lengthy procedures. IV sedation is standard for patients with high anxiety and for surgical extractions; expect to arrange transportation home afterward. Specific pricing for procedures varies by case complexity. General guidance: simple extractions in Chattanooga-area oral surgery typically begin around $150 to $300; surgical extractions and implant placement run $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth depending on bone structure and graft needs. Verify current fees directly, as they shift with materials and case specifics.

How Pesce compares to other Chattanooga oral surgeons

Chattanooga has a limited field of surgical dentistry: Pesce operates independently; several other specialists practice within larger dental groups such as those affiliated with regional chains. The key trade-off is continuity and flexibility versus extended hours and on-site general dentistry. Solo surgeons like Pesce often schedule new patients faster because they control their own calendar; group-affiliated surgeons may route you through a general dentist first, adding a step but sometimes streamlining insurance verification. For implant work specifically, ask whether the surgeon offers bone grafting in-house or refers out. Pesce's scope includes grafting, reducing the number of appointments and outside referrals needed. If you are a nervous patient or require complex extractions, confirm that the surgeon you choose offers IV sedation, as not all do.

Who Pesce suits and who it does not

Pesce is the right choice if you need a tooth extraction or implant and your general dentist has referred you, if you have complex jaw or bone structure, or if you want to see the same surgeon throughout your implant process. He suits patients who can schedule appointments during office hours and who prefer a smaller practice where the surgeon himself manages your care. Pesce is less suitable if you require immediate or walk-in surgical care (schedule in advance) or if you need same-day general dentistry alongside your extraction; refer to your general dentist for any pre-operative cleaning or assessment.

What the first visit involves

Bring your referral from your general dentist, insurance card, and a list of current medications. Pesce will review imaging (often X-rays or CT scans from your dentist already on file) and conduct an intraoral exam to assess bone density, tooth position, and extraction difficulty or implant anatomy. For extractions, he explains the procedure, sedation plan, and recovery timeline; extraction healing typically takes 7 to 10 days, with heavy lifting and strenuous activity avoided for one week. For implants, expect discussion of the two-stage process (placement, then crown placement 3 to 6 months later) and bone grafting if needed. He will outline the surgical plan, cost, and financing options available through the practice. Most insurances cover a portion of extraction; implants are often not covered or covered at a reduced percentage. Verify coverage before surgery.

Hours, location, and logistics

Verify office hours by calling directly, as surgical practices often maintain limited schedules and may close on certain afternoons or days. Pesce's practice is located within Chattanooga; confirm parking accessibility when you schedule. Most oral surgeons require a responsible adult to drive you home if IV sedation is used, so plan accordingly. Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the surgical appointment itself, plus recovery time if sedated.

Charles S. Pesce, DDS fills a necessary role in Chattanooga's dental landscape, handling cases that general dentists cannot manage in-office and reducing the friction of multiple referrals for implant patients.