Steven P. Tipps DDS in Chattanooga: Oral Surgery and Implant Placement

Steven P. Tipps DDS operates a general and surgical dental practice in Chattanooga focused on tooth extractions, implant placement, and complex restorations. The practice sits between high-volume extraction mills and narrow-specialty surgeons, serving patients who need surgical intervention beyond routine dentistry but prefer a single provider for both surgical and restorative work.

What Steven P. Tipps DDS Actually Is

The practice is structured as a general dentistry office with surgical capabilities rather than a dedicated oral surgery suite. Tipps holds a DDS degree and offers both preventive and surgical procedures under one roof. This model appeals to patients already in care at the practice and those seeking surgical treatment without referral to a separate specialty center. The office does not function as an emergency oral surgery facility; referrals for cases already in treatment are the primary pathway.

Surgical Services and Pricing

Extractions range from simple removals to surgical cases involving impacted teeth, with fees typically between $150 and $500 depending on complexity. Dental implants, including surgical placement and abutment, usually fall in the $2,000 to $3,500 range per tooth. Bone grafting, required when jaw density is insufficient for implant support, adds $500 to $2,000. Wisdom tooth removal runs $300 to $800 per tooth based on positioning and surgical approach. Verify current fees by contacting the office directly; surgical costs shift annually with material and lab expenses.

Sedation options include local anesthesia with nitrous oxide and, in some cases, IV sedation for anxious patients. Ask at your consultation which sedation level suits your procedure; IV sedation carries additional charges.

How This Practice Compares to Other Chattanooga Oral Surgeons

Chattanooga has dedicated oral surgery specialists, such as those operating extraction-focused practices, who see referred patients exclusively. Tipps operates differently: patients under his general care can move into surgical treatment without changing providers, reducing administrative overhead and offering continuity of relationship. A specialist practice offers deeper surgical expertise and equipment tailored only to surgical cases; choose a specialist if you have complex jaw reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, or severe infection requiring intensive surgical skill. Choose Tipps if you value keeping your extraction and implant placement in the hands of someone managing your restorations afterward.

Who Benefits and Who Does Not

This practice suits adults needing straightforward extractions, implants on solid bone, or routine surgical procedures who are already patients or prefer integrated care. Patients with advanced bone loss, multiple missing teeth requiring reconstruction, or medical complexity benefit from a specialist's depth. Pediatric surgery cases are not typical here; children needing surgical intervention should be referred to a pediatric specialist. Anxious adults find the familiar environment helpful; those needing IV sedation with anesthesia monitoring should confirm availability first.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

The initial appointment includes a consultation, radiographs (often digital X-rays and possibly a 3D cone-beam CT scan if implants are planned), and assessment of extraction or implant feasibility. The clinician will review bone density, tooth position, and adjacent structures. If surgery is straightforward, you may discuss scheduling; complex cases may require a follow-up treatment plan. Insurance pre-authorization is typical; the office collects this information before committing to a procedure date.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Standard office hours run Monday through Thursday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Friday availability. Street parking or small lot parking serves the office; confirm accessibility when you call. Most surgical procedures take 30 to 90 minutes. Plan for a recovery day after IV sedation or complex extractions; driving is unsafe afterward, so arrange a ride.

Steven P. Tipps DDS fills a practical gap for Chattanooga patients who want surgical treatment integrated with ongoing restorative care, reducing the friction of referrals and specialist transitions.