Richard J. Prichard II DDS in Chattanooga: Oral Surgery with Implant and Sedation Focus

Richard J. Prichard II DDS operates as a surgical dental practice in Chattanooga specializing in tooth extractions, implant placement, and sedation dentistry for patients who require procedures beyond the scope of general dentistry. The practice serves as both a primary surgical destination and a referral center for general dentists across the area who need extraction or implant work completed.

What Richard J. Prichard II DDS actually is

An oral surgeon's scope differs from general dentistry by offering surgical extraction of impacted or complex teeth, implant placement and bone grafting, and sedation management during procedures. Prichard's practice handles both simple and surgical extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and implant restoration. Unlike general dentists who manage preventive care and basic fillings, oral surgeons work with patients whose tooth loss requires replacement or whose anatomy makes extraction technically demanding. The practice functions as both a self-referred patient destination and a referral office, meaning some patients arrive by personal choice while others are sent by their general dentist.

Procedures, sedation options, and what to expect cost-wise

Surgical extractions typically cost more than simple ones because they involve bone removal or tooth sectioning. At oral surgery practices in Chattanooga, simple extractions range from $200 to $500 per tooth, while surgical extractions (impacted molars, teeth below the gum line) run $400 to $1,200 or more depending on complexity. Implant placement alone, separate from the crown, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, with bone grafting adding $500 to $2,000 if your jawbone has lost volume.

Sedation level affects both the procedure and the cost. IV sedation (twilight sleep) is more expensive than nitrous oxide but less than general anesthesia; IV sedation typically adds $300 to $600 to a procedure. Local anesthesia alone costs least but suits only patients comfortable being awake. Prichard's practice offers these options, and your choice depends on anxiety level, procedure duration, and medical history. Confirm exact pricing when you schedule because sedation fees vary by provider and complexity.

Insurance often covers surgical extractions when medically necessary but may not cover cosmetic implant work or bone grafting without a documented need. Verify coverage before your appointment.

How Prichard compares to other Chattanooga oral surgeons

Chattanooga has several oral surgery options. Prichard is an independent practice, which means lower overhead than hospital-based surgery centers but no on-site hospital backup if complications arise. Hospital-affiliated oral surgery (available through Erlanger or CHI Memorial surgical networks) suits patients with complex medical histories or those needing immediate hospital support. Private offices like Prichard's typically offer shorter wait times and a single surgeon continuity, while hospital-based centers have infrastructure for general anesthesia and ICU monitoring.

Choose Prichard for straightforward extractions and implant work if you prefer an independent practice with established referral relationships in town. Choose a hospital-based option if you have heart, bleeding, or breathing conditions that may need emergency medical support during surgery, or if you require general anesthesia rather than IV sedation.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Prichard suits patients referred by their dentist for extraction or implant, patients comfortable with or seeking IV sedation, and those without complex medical histories requiring hospital-grade monitoring. The practice does not manage pediatric oral surgery; adult patients are the focus. Patients with untreated severe cardiac disease, active cancer treatment, or uncontrolled bleeding disorders should discuss their medical status early and may be directed to a hospital surgical center for safety.

What the first visit and referral process involves

Most oral surgery patients arrive via referral from their general dentist, who evaluates the tooth and determines surgical extraction or implant is needed. Your dentist submits X-rays and a brief clinical note to Prichard's office. If you self-refer, the office will want recent X-rays and your medical history.

At the consultation, the surgeon reviews imaging, examines the surgical site, discusses anesthesia options, and outlines the procedure timeline. If bone grafting is needed for future implant, that is addressed at this visit. You will discuss recovery time, post-operative restrictions (soft diet, no smoking, limited physical activity), and pain management. Most extractions heal in 7 to 10 days; implant osseointegration (bone fusing to the implant) takes 3 to 6 months before crown placement.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Specific office hours and parking details require a call to confirm, as they may change seasonally or by appointment type. Oral surgery offices typically operate Monday through Friday with limited Saturday availability. Ask your referring dentist or call ahead to confirm the schedule. If the practice is in a shared medical building, parking is usually free lot parking rather than street parking.

Bring a driver if you choose IV sedation; you cannot drive the same day. Plan to take the rest of the day off; most patients rest at home. If you are self-referring, bring your most recent X-rays and a list of current medications and medical conditions.

Richard J. Prichard II DDS fills the surgical role in Chattanooga's dental ecosystem, handling the cases general dentists cannot manage in-office and providing implant placement for tooth replacement planning.