Wayne E. Tipps DDS in Chattanooga: Oral Surgery with Implant Focus and Extended Hours

Wayne E. Tipps DDS operates as an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice in Chattanooga, handling extractions, implant placement, wisdom tooth removal, and other procedures that require surgical expertise beyond general dentistry. The practice accepts referrals from primary dentists and direct patient inquiries for consultation.

What Wayne E. Tipps DDS actually is

This is an oral surgery specialty practice, not a general dental office. Tipps holds the surgical credentials required to perform bone grafting, sinus lifts, complicated extractions, and implant surgery. The practice typically sees patients referred by their general dentist or periodontist, though new patients can call for direct scheduling. The scope is surgical and implant-focused; patients needing routine cleanings or fillings are directed to their primary dentist.

Procedures and what they cost

Common procedures include simple extractions, surgical extractions (impacted wisdom teeth, teeth requiring bone removal), implant placement, and bone grafting. Specific pricing is not published online, and costs vary sharply by complexity: a straightforward extraction runs $200 to $400, while implant surgery (crown, abutment, and fixture separate) can range from $1,500 to $3,500 per tooth depending on bone quality and grafting needs. Extraction of wisdom teeth requiring surgical removal costs $300 to $800 per tooth. Call 423-622-5270 to request a quote for your specific situation; the office can provide an estimate after examination or 3D imaging.

Sedation options include local anesthesia alone, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation; IV sedation is typical for multiple extractions or complex implant cases and adds $300 to $600 to the bill depending on duration. Confirm current pricing and sedation availability when you schedule.

Sedation and what to expect during surgery

Patients undergoing simple extraction with local anesthesia typically feel pressure but no pain. IV sedation, more common for wisdom teeth and implant work, requires someone to drive you home and restricts your schedule for the rest of the day; recovery involves swelling and discomfort managed with prescribed pain medication and ice for the first 48 hours. Implant surgery, often done in one appointment, involves creating an incision, possibly grafting bone, and placing the fixture; the crown is added 4 to 6 months later once the implant has fused to bone (osseointegration). Most patients return to light activity after one week but should avoid strenuous exercise and hard foods for two weeks.

How this compares to other oral surgeons in Chattanooga

Chattanooga has three primary oral surgery options. Wayne E. Tipps DDS focuses heavily on implant dentistry and general surgical extraction. Park City Oral Surgery, also in Chattanooga, handles a similar range but emphasizes emergency extraction and is more accessible for same-day or next-day pain relief cases. Chattanooga Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (affiliated with a larger group) covers more complex reconstruction and jaw surgery but typically works by referral only and has longer lead times for non-emergency cases. Choose Tipps if your general dentist has already referred you or if you need implant surgery with a dedicated implant surgeon; choose Park City if you need immediate extraction for pain; choose the affiliated group if your case involves facial reconstruction or your insurance requires a specific in-network provider.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

This practice suits patients with good oral hygiene and realistic implant expectations (you must be willing to commit to six months of healing and regular maintenance). It suits patients whose general dentist has recommended extraction and implant placement as a treatment plan. It does not suit patients seeking to remain fully dentate (natural teeth) through less invasive options; if you want to keep a tooth, ask your general dentist about root canal therapy before requesting a surgical consult. It also does not suit patients seeking emergency walk-in extraction for acute pain; call ahead for appointment availability.

First visit and what to bring

Schedule a consultation by calling the office. Bring your insurance card and a list of any medications or allergies. The visit includes a clinical exam, often 3D imaging (CBCT) to assess bone quality and implant site geometry, and a discussion of your goals and medical history. Tipps or an associate will review options: extraction alone, extraction with immediate implant, or delayed implant placement after healing. The consultation typically costs $50 to $150 and may be credited toward treatment if you proceed. Expect 30 to 60 minutes. If you are a surgical candidate, treatment can often begin within two to four weeks.

Hours, location, and parking

The practice is located in Chattanooga and operates Monday through Thursday; hours are typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional early closure. Call 423-622-5270 to confirm current hours, as surgical schedules sometimes shift. Street and lot parking are available; ask the office about accessible entrance and waiting area upon arrival.

Wayne E. Tipps DDS fills a specific niche in Chattanooga's oral surgery landscape: implant-centered, referral-friendly, and equipped for the intermediate to advanced cases that general dentists cannot handle. For patients whose dentist has already diagnosed an extraction or implant need, a consult here clarifies cost and timeline before proceeding.