Oral Surgery in Durham, Nc
Precision Care That Protects Your Future Smile
- Keep your jaw ready for implants with bone-preserving care
- Get relief from damaged or impacted teeth with careful removal
- Support long-term restoration with grafting and sinus lift planning
Services We Offer
Oral Surgery Services We Offer
When a tooth needs to come out or your jaw needs preparation for implants, you want care that protects your future smile. We offer oral surgery with conservative techniques, so you can heal more smoothly and get back to eating and smiling with confidence.
We remove damaged teeth with conservative, bone-preserving techniques that support smoother healing and help protect your options for future implant treatment.
We remove problematic wisdom teeth carefully, helping reduce discomfort and lower the risk of crowding or impacted-tooth problems.
We build up the jaw with grafting to improve implant candidacy and create the strong, healthy foundation your replacement teeth need.
When upper back jaw bone is too limited for implants, we raise the sinus area to create the support needed for a more stable result.
Be our Next Success Story!
Experience personalized dental care designed to help you achieve your dream smile.
Surgical Care Explained
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is the branch of care that removes teeth, prepares the jaw, and supports future tooth replacement. It can include tooth extractions, wisdom teeth extractions, bone grafting, and sinus lift procedures. These procedures are planned with imaging and local anesthesia, and some cases use sedation. When an extraction is paired with grafting, the socket can be preserved for later implant placement.
- Includes extractions, grafting, and sinus lift care
- Planned with imaging and local anesthesia
- Socket preservation can be done during extraction
Protect Your Future Smile
Benefits of Oral Surgery
When a problem tooth or missing bone is holding back your treatment plan, the next step matters. Oral surgery helps clear the way for a healthier mouth and gives us a stronger foundation for future restoration. That means you can move forward with more clarity and fewer delays.
Stop pain from escalating
A damaged or problematic tooth can keep interrupting your day, especially when every bite reminds you something is wrong. Removing the source of trouble helps you leave that constant discomfort behind and focus on normal routines again.
Make room for healing
When a tooth cannot stay in place, taking it out can give the area space to recover. That creates a better environment for the gums and surrounding bone, which can make the next stage of care more predictable.
Support future tooth replacement
If you want an implant later, the shape and strength of the jaw matter. Oral surgery can help prepare that foundation now, so your future restoration has a better chance to fit and function as intended.
Reduce the risk of bigger problems
Waiting on a troublesome tooth can lead to infection, crowding, or damage to nearby teeth. Addressing the issue earlier helps protect more of your mouth and can spare you from a more complicated situation later.
Keep healthy tissue intact
You should not have to give up more than necessary to solve a dental problem. A careful surgical approach helps preserve as much healthy bone and gum tissue as possible, which supports better healing and long-term oral health.
Move ahead with less uncertainty
When your treatment plan depends on what happens next, clear surgical care can make the path forward feel more manageable. You know the problem has been addressed, and that helps you make decisions with more confidence.
You get a stronger starting point for the smile you want next.
A Fit for More
Is Oral Surgery Right for You?
Many people are unsure whether oral surgery is the right next step, especially when they are weighing discomfort, timing, or the state of a tooth. We use this section to help you compare your situation with common reasons people move forward.
Replacing Problem Teeth
When a tooth is too damaged to keep, oral surgery can make room for a healthier path forward. You get a clear plan that protects your comfort and helps your bite work better again.
Living with Stubborn Pain
If a tooth keeps flaring up or feels impossible to ignore, the problem may be bigger than a quick fix. Oral surgery can address the source so you can eat and sleep with less worry.
Planning Ahead Early
A change noticed during a checkup or after months of putting care off can be the sign to act now. You may be a good fit if you want to protect your mouth before things get more complicated.
Do Any of These Sound Familiar?
If one of these feels familiar, you are not alone. We talk with people every day who are trying to make sense of pain, timing, and what comes next.
- Dealing with wisdom tooth pain that keeps coming back
- Putting off an extraction because you're nervous about surgery
- Living with a broken tooth that can't be saved
- Managing jaw pain possibly linked to a dental problem.
- Experiencing swelling or infection around an impacted tooth
- Dealing with a tooth another dentist said was too complex
Your Next Step Starts Here
Oral surgery can bring clarity when your mouth feels uncertain, and that can mean more peace of mind.
Before & After Transformations
Transformations That Speak for Themselves
Every smile here started with a conversation and a plan built around that patient’s specific needs. From single implants to full mouth reconstruction, these transformations show what’s possible when precision and personal care come together.
After
Before
After
Before
Be our Next Success Story!
Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.
The Guide Will Show You
- Step-By-Step Overview
- Common Procedures
- Common Questions
- And More!
Download Your Guide To Tooth Extraction Process!
Fill Out the Form Below and You Will Receive a Text/Email With A Step-By-Step Guide to Extractions.
The Guide Will Show You
- Step-By-Step Overview
- Common Procedures
- Common Questions
- And More!
What to Expect
Oral Surgery Procedure Steps Made Simple
Knowing what comes next can make oral surgery feel more manageable. We keep the experience clear and calm, so you can feel prepared instead of unsure. That kind of clarity can ease nerves and help you walk in with more confidence.
1
Evaluation and Surgical Planning
We begin with a thorough exam and 3D CBCT imaging to get a complete picture of your anatomy. This allows us to plan the safest, most efficient surgical approach for your specific case, whether it involves extractions, bone grafting, a sinus lift, or another procedure that requires surgical precision.
2
Your Surgical Procedure
On the day of surgery, we make sure you’re comfortable with the right level of sedation before anything begins. Our oral surgeon works with care and accuracy, using advanced techniques to minimize tissue disruption and support faster healing. Most procedures take less time than patients expect.
3
Recovery and Healing Support
Before you leave, we provide clear post-operative instructions and make sure you know exactly what to expect during recovery. Our team checks in with you afterward, and follow-up visits confirm everything is healing properly. We’re available if any questions come up along the way.
Get Your Confidence Back
Imagine enjoying grilled chicken, sharing a laugh, and getting through the day with more ease after Oral Surgery.
Financing Options
Get the Care You Need Without Financial Stress
We offer flexible payment plans so you can get the treatment you need without the financial stress. Your smile shouldn’t have to wait, and with us, it doesn’t have to.
Streamline your dental care investment with Proceed Finance. Their flexible plans make achieving your smile goals easy and affordable.
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
CareCredit, a trusted healthcare financing option, offers convenient payment plans to fit your budget. Invest in your oral health with confidence.
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
Bite-sized payments, big smiles! Cherry Payment Plans offer easy-to-use financing options to make your dental care more accessible.
NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.
Choose Your Payment Plan and Begin Treatment Today
Common questions
Oral Surgery FAQs
Oral surgery brings up real questions about comfort, healing, and what comes next for your smile. We answer the most common concerns below, and if you do not see yours here, reach out and we will talk it through with you.
Will my extraction hurt?
Modern extraction techniques and local anesthesia keep you numb during the procedure. You may feel pressure, but not pain. Afterward, soreness is usually mild and can be managed with the post-op care instructions we give you.
How long does recovery take after oral surgery?
Initial healing usually takes one to two weeks, and many patients return to normal activities within a few days. The socket continues to remodel for several months, so following our instructions closely helps recovery stay on track.
What can I eat after an extraction?
Soft foods and liquids are best for the first few days. Hot, spicy, or hard foods can irritate the site, so we suggest easing back into your usual diet as comfort improves. We also give you specific eating guidelines for your procedure.
When can a replacement tooth be placed after extraction?
Timing depends on the restoration planned and how you heal. In many cases, immediate implant placement is possible. We review your timeline during consultation so you know whether tooth replacement can begin right away or after healing.
Am I a candidate for bone grafting or a sinus lift?
If you do not have enough bone for implant placement, those procedures may help prepare the jaw. We use advanced 3D imaging to assess bone volume and density, then decide whether socket preservation, grafting, or sinus augmentation fits your plan.
What should I expect on the day of surgery?
We start with a careful evaluation, then make sure the area is fully numb before treatment begins. Depending on the procedure, we may remove a tooth, preserve the site with grafting, or prepare the jaw for future implant placement, all with detailed aftercare instructions.
How do I know healing is going normally?
A normal recovery usually includes a blood clot in the socket, less discomfort each day, and mild swelling that improves over time. Severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or worsening swelling are reasons to reach out so we can check the site.
What if I am nervous about oral surgery?
You are not alone, and we take anxiety seriously. Dr. Long uses a patient, conservative approach and can discuss sedation options for comfort when needed. We explain each step clearly so you know what to expect before treatment begins.
Why do oral surgery and implant planning go together?
Because removing a tooth the right way can protect bone and tissue for the next step. Dr. Long has extensive experience with both extractions and implant placement, so we can plan surgery with your long-term restoration in mind from the start.
How can I lower the chance of needing oral surgery later?
Good home care, regular dental visits, and prompt treatment of dental problems can prevent many extractions. Still, trauma, genetics, and advanced disease can make surgery necessary, so we focus on helping you make the best decision for your mouth.
Have more questions?
Contact our team and we'll be happy to provide you with the information and answers you need.
MEET OUR DOCTOR
Expert Surgery From a Doctor Who Understands
At Old North Dentures and Implants, we focus exclusively on implant dentistry and full-mouth restoration, taking the time each case truly deserves. Our quality-over-quantity approach means you receive personalized attention from a doctor who genuinely understands what you’re going through.
Dr. Robert Long
DDS
Before becoming an implant dentist, Dr. Long was a patient himself. Growing up with a severe nine-millimeter underbite, he underwent double jaw surgery and spent three months on a soft-food diet. That experience shapes how he approaches every consultation today, with genuine empathy that can’t be taught in residency.
After earning his DDS from the University of North Carolina, he completed a hospital-based residency at Augusta University under internationally recognized mentors. He has logged over 600 hours of advanced implant training, including the AAID MaxiCourse and ORCAA full arch program. With five years of private practice in the Triangle and thousands of surgical procedures, Dr. Long brings both surgical precision and lived understanding to every patient he treats.
What Our Patients Say
Real Stories From Patients Who Found Their Confidence Again
Our patients share how we’ve helped them regain confidence, comfort, and the freedom to smile again. Their stories reflect the personalized care, exceptional experience, and lasting results you can expect.
I highly recommend Dr. Long! I’ve trusted him with my dental care for years, including implants, crowns, and wisdom teeth procedures, and every experience has been excellent.He is professional, caring, and takes the time to explain everything clearly so you understand your treatment options and feel comfortable throughout the process. He makes complex procedures feel much more manageable. Dr. Long’s commitment to doing things the right way along with his authenticity sets him apart from other dentists.
E Comrey
3 months ago
It’s been great partnering with Dr. Long, and providing his implant restorations. We love working with him because his attention to detail and accuracy is incredible! He uses great materials and always wants what’s best for his patient. You will be in great hands with Dr. Long!
Adam Ahokas
6 months ago
Dr. Robert Long is an exceptional dentist who combines professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for patients. From the first appointment, I was impressed by how thorough and attentive he was in explaining the treatment process and addressing every concern with patience and honesty.What stood out most was the attention to detail and the commitment to making sure I was comfortable throughout the entire visit. Dr. Long is clearly very skilled and knowledgeable, and it gave me a great sense of confidence knowing I was in such capable hands.I truly appreciate the high level of care I received and would highly recommend Dr. Long to anyone looking for a dentist who is both highly competent and compassionate.
B
6 months ago
I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Long for over five years, even before he opened his own practice, and I can say without hesitation that he has played a significant role in preserving my trust in truly ethical, patient-centered dentistry.Dr. Long consistently demonstrates a rare combination of professionalism, integrity, and genuine compassion. He takes the time to listen, treats every patient with respect, and approaches his work with a level of honesty that is increasingly hard to find—recommending only what is truly necessary and always prioritizing the patient’s best interest.What stands out most to me is the exceptional quality of his implant work. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the precision, care, and expertise he brings to every case, and the results have been nothing short of outstanding.It is an honor to know and work alongside a clinician of his caliber, and I would recommend him with the highest level of confidence.
Christian Sinondon
8 months ago
Dr. Long is a great person and thorough dentist! Dr. Long always gives his honest professional opinion and care!
Miller Harris
8 months ago
I’ve worked with Dr Long for 4 years I would trust him with all my work!
Sade Jeffers
8 months ago
Join the Patients Who Smile with Confidence Every Day
Experience personalized dental care designed to help you achieve your dream smile.
advanced technology
Durham's Most Advanced Dental Implant Technology
You deserve treatment planned with millimeter precision. We use cone beam CT scanning to map your jaw in three dimensions, intraoral scanners to capture digital impressions without messy materials, and in-house 3D printing to fabricate same-day temporary teeth. This integrated digital workflow shortens your treatment time and reflects our commitment to quality over quantity in every implant case we handle.
- Cone beam CT imaging captures precise three-dimensional anatomy
- Extraoral photogrammetry ensures perfect fit for multiple implants
- In-house 3D printing delivers same-day provisional teeth
Come Visit Us
Quality Implant Care Close to Home
Our Durham office is easy to reach from anywhere in the Triangle, serving patients from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities. We have made every aspect of visiting us straightforward, so life-changing implant care is always within reach.
Get Directions and Plan Your Visit With Us Today
Dental Blog
Expert Tips, Healthy Smiles
Visit our blog to explore topics like dental implants, various treatment options, and oral health tips. Our expert dentists share insights on everything from healing periods and bone graft procedures to comprehensive mouth restoration, helping you make informed decisions about your dental care.
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Hours of CE
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3-On-6 in NC
5 Years
Implant Warranty
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3D Printing
Protect What Comes Next
A Careful Removal Now Can Make Healing and Replacement Feel Easier Later
- Less damage to healthy bone
- Cleaner path for future implants
- Back to soft foods sooner
