The best oral surgeon for you depends on your specific procedure, insurance coverage, and clinical needs. Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery is a full-service oral surgery practice in Yuma offering implant placement, wisdom tooth extraction, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery with board-certified surgeons and in-house anesthesia capabilities.
Reviewed by Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery — Oral Surgery Team
How to Evaluate an Oral Surgeon
Choosing an oral surgeon requires assessing board certification, years of experience, facility accreditation, and the range of procedures offered. Board certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) indicates the surgeon has completed a 4–6 year residency program and passed rigorous written and clinical exams. Accreditation of the surgical facility by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or The Joint Commission ensures compliance with safety and sterilization standards. Ask whether the practice offers in-house anesthesia (administered by a certified anesthesiologist or CRNA) versus relying on outside anesthesia providers, as this affects continuity of care and emergency response capability.
Key Credentials and Experience to Look For
| Credential/Factor | What It Means |
|—|—|
| ABOMS Board Certification | Surgeon completed 4–6 year residency + passed national exam |
| AAAASF or Joint Commission Accreditation | Facility meets federal safety and sterilization standards |
| In-House Anesthesia | Anesthesiologist or CRNA on staff; faster response to complications |
| Years in Practice | 5+ years post-residency indicates established patient outcomes |
| Procedure Volume | High-volume surgeons (50+ implants/year, 100+ extractions/year) show expertise |
| Continuing Education | Active membership in American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) |
What You Can Expect at Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery
Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery is a dedicated oral surgery practice serving Yuma and surrounding communities. The practice handles routine extractions, surgical extractions of impacted wisdom teeth, dental implant placement, bone and soft-tissue grafting, and orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery. The facility is equipped for IV sedation and general anesthesia, with anesthesia managed in-house to ensure patient safety and comfort during complex procedures.
Patients typically receive a pre-operative consultation where the surgeon reviews imaging (CT scans, X-rays), discusses anesthesia options, and explains the procedure timeline and recovery expectations. Post-operative care includes detailed discharge instructions, pain management protocols, and scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should I verify before choosing an oral surgeon?
Confirm board certification through ABOMS, accreditation of the surgical facility, and whether anesthesia is administered in-house. Ask how many of your specific procedure the surgeon performs annually—higher volume correlates with better outcomes. Request references or patient reviews if available.
How much does oral surgery cost in Yuma, AZ?
Costs vary by procedure: simple extractions range $75–$300 per tooth, surgical extractions $150–$600, wisdom tooth removal $200–$1,000 per tooth, and dental implants $1,500–$3,000 per implant. Most practices accept dental insurance and offer payment plans; ask about out-of-pocket costs after insurance.
What anesthesia options are available?
Oral surgeons typically offer local anesthesia alone, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) with local anesthesia, IV sedation (twilight sleep), or general anesthesia. In-house anesthesia providers allow the surgeon to customize sedation depth based on procedure complexity and patient anxiety level.
How long is recovery after oral surgery?
Simple extractions heal in 7–10 days; surgical extractions and implant placement require 10–14 days before normal activity resumes. Bone grafts and jaw surgery involve 2–4 weeks of restricted diet and activity. Full bone integration for implants takes 3–6 months.
What are common complications, and how are they managed?
Dry socket (bone exposure after extraction) occurs in 2–5% of cases and is treated with medicated dressings. Nerve injury is rare (<1%) but can cause temporary or permanent numbness. Infection risk is <2% with prophylactic antibiotics. Choose a surgeon with in-house capability to manage complications immediately.
Should I choose a general dentist or an oral surgeon for tooth extraction?
General dentists handle routine extractions; oral surgeons manage impacted teeth, complex anatomy, medically compromised patients, and bone grafting. If your tooth is deeply impacted or you have systemic health conditions, an oral surgeon reduces complication risk.