William D Fox, DDS in Chattanooga: Oral Surgery with Same-Day Extraction and Implant Placement

William D Fox, DDS operates as a dedicated oral surgery practice in Chattanooga, offering tooth extractions, dental implants, and bone grafting procedures. The practice functions as a referral destination for general dentists and patients across the region who need surgical-level intervention beyond routine dental care, rather than as a first-contact dental office.

What the practice does

Oral surgeons differ from general dentists in scope and training. Where a general dentist handles routine fillings, cleanings, and root canals, an oral surgeon performs extractions of impacted teeth, complex surgical removals, implant placement, and reconstruction procedures. Fox holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and specialization in oral and maxillofacial surgery, the standard credential for the field. The practice handles both simple extractions (loose or easily accessible teeth) and complicated cases (impacted wisdom teeth, teeth broken below the gumline). Implant placement, the surgical phase of replacing missing teeth, is a core service; Fox performs the bone integration phase, after which patients typically return to a general dentist or prosthodontist for the crown.

Procedures, sedation options, and typical costs

Chattanooga oral surgeons charge differently for straightforward versus surgical extractions. A simple extraction typically ranges from $75 to $200 per tooth, while a surgical extraction of an impacted tooth runs $200 to $400 or more depending on complexity. Wisdom tooth removal (four teeth) as a package often falls between $800 and $1,500 for all four, though impaction level and bone removal required shift this range.

Dental implant placement costs range from $1,500 to $3,000 per implant at most Chattanooga practices, covering the surgical component only; the crown added later by another dentist costs an additional $1,000 to $2,000. Bone grafting, sometimes necessary before implant placement, adds $300 to $800.

Sedation options matter for patient comfort. Local anesthesia (numbing alone) is standard and included in quoted prices. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) adds minimal cost. IV sedation, which requires monitoring and adds clinical time, typically costs $200 to $500 per appointment, depending on duration. Verify current fees directly; oral surgeons adjust pricing annually.

How Fox compares to other Chattanooga oral surgeons

Chattanooga has several oral surgeons, including practices in the downtown, North Shore, and East Brainerd areas. The differences lie in specialization focus, sedation offerings, and whether the surgeon accepts direct patients or primarily works by referral. Some practices emphasize cosmetic jaw surgery or reconstruction; Fox's practice centers on extractions and implants, the most frequent procedures for general dentists to refer. Surgeons who offer office-based IV sedation appeal to patients anxious about surgery; those offering local anesthesia only suit patients who prefer to avoid sedation or have medical conditions precluding it. Insurance acceptance varies, and some surgeons operate on a cash-only or limited-insurance model; verifying in-network status before scheduling is essential.

Who this practice suits

Patients referred by their general dentist for a problematic extraction, wisdom teeth removal, or implant placement are the core audience. Adults with missing teeth who want implants rather than dentures or bridges also fit the practice's scope. Parents referred for a teenager's impacted wisdom teeth benefit from a surgeon focused on that common procedure.

Patients seeking full-mouth cosmetic dentistry or initial routine dental care should start with a general dentist. Those with severe jaw misalignment requiring orthognathic (surgical) correction may need referral to an oral surgeon with that subspecialty.

What a first appointment involves

Most patients arrive via referral, so the surgeon already has notes from the referring dentist outlining the problem. At the first visit, expect imaging (often a 3D scan for implant cases), discussion of sedation preference, and a fee review. For a straightforward extraction, the surgical appointment may be scheduled immediately afterward. For implants, the surgeon performs the placement and discusses the 3-6 month bone integration timeline before the crown can be placed. Patients receive post-operative instructions, which typically include ice application, limited activity for a few days, and prescribed pain medication if needed.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Confirm current hours directly with the practice. Most oral surgeons in Chattanooga operate Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited or no weekend availability. Parking is typically lot-based at suburban locations or street parking in downtown offices. Bring your insurance card and photo ID; out-of-pocket costs are often collected at the first appointment if insurance verification shows gaps.

Fox's oral surgery practice serves the referral-based extraction and implant market in Chattanooga, making it a necessary specialist link for general dentists and a direct option for patients with complex dental surgical needs.