Star Oral Surgery FAQs
At Star Oral Surgery, we know patients often have questions before scheduling a procedure. Below we’ve answered the most common questions we hear about oral surgery in Star, Idaho. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact our office directly.
General Oral Surgery Questions
Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon at Star Oral Surgery?
No referral is required. While many patients come to us through their general dentist or orthodontist, you’re welcome to contact Star Oral Surgery directly to schedule a consultation.
What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist with additional hospital-based surgical training beyond dental school. At Star Oral Surgery, we perform procedures that go beyond the scope of general dentistry, including dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, extractions, oral pathology evaluation, and more.
What is the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?
General dentists handle routine care like cleanings, fillings, and basic extractions. Oral surgeons like Dr. Bobst at Star Oral Surgery complete years of additional residency training to perform complex surgical procedures involving the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures.
Does Star Oral Surgery see patients from outside Star, Idaho?
Yes. We serve patients throughout the Treasure Valley, including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, and surrounding communities.
What should I bring to my first appointment at Star Oral Surgery?
Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance information, a list of current medications, and any referral or imaging your dentist has already taken. You can also complete your patient registration online before your visit.
Anesthesia and Sedation
What sedation options does Star Oral Surgery offer?
At Star Oral Surgery, we offer anesthesia options including local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. The best option depends on your procedure, medical history, and comfort level. We discuss your preferences during your consultation.
Is oral surgery painful?
The procedure itself is not painful. We use anesthesia and sedation to keep you comfortable throughout. Some soreness after surgery is normal and manageable with the medications and post-operative instructions we provide.
Are oral surgeons qualified to administer anesthesia?
Yes. Oral surgeons receive extensive anesthesia training as part of their residency, including both in-office and hospital-based experience. Dr. Bobst at Star Oral Surgery holds the highest level of anesthesia licensure available to dental practitioners, including the ability to administer general anesthesia.
Can I drive myself home after oral surgery?
If you receive IV sedation or general anesthesia, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home. Please arrange for a driver before your appointment.
Preparing for Surgery
How do I prepare for oral surgery at Star Oral Surgery?
Preparation varies by procedure, but general guidelines include: avoid eating or drinking for several hours before surgery if sedation is planned; arrange for a driver; wear comfortable clothing; and follow all preoperative instructions from our team.
What should I avoid before oral surgery?
If sedation is planned, you should avoid food and drink for the number of hours we specify, typically starting the night before. Avoid alcohol and smoking in the days leading up to your procedure, and let us know about any medications you take.
Recovery
How long does it take to recover from oral surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure. Simple extractions typically heal within a few days. Wisdom teeth removal often requires 3 to 5 days of reduced activity. Dental implant surgery and bone grafting may involve a longer healing timeline of several weeks as the bone integrates. We walk every patient through what to expect before they leave our office.
What can I eat after oral surgery?
We recommend soft, cool foods immediately after surgery. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods until healing allows. We provide detailed dietary guidance specific to your procedure.
What is a dry socket, and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at an extraction site is dislodged before healing is complete. To reduce the risk, avoid using straws, smoking, or spitting forcefully for the first several days after extraction. Star Oral Surgery provides complete post-operative instructions to help prevent complications.
Dental Implants
Does Star Oral Surgery place dental implants?
Yes. Dental implants are one of our primary services at Star Oral Surgery. We place titanium and zirconia implants to replace a single missing tooth or to support full-arch restorations.
What are dental implants made of?
Standard dental implants are made of titanium, which fuses with the jawbone over time. Star Oral Surgery also offers zirconia implants, a metal-free alternative for patients who prefer them.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with good general health and adequate bone density are candidates for dental implants. A consultation at Star Oral Surgery includes a full evaluation and 3D imaging to determine whether implants are appropriate for your situation.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last decades and are considered a long-term solution for tooth replacement. The implant post itself, once fully integrated, is designed to be permanent.
What is the dental implant process at Star Oral Surgery?
The process typically involves a consultation and imaging, implant placement surgery, a healing period for osseointegration, and then placement of the final restoration by your restorative dentist. We coordinate closely with your dental provider throughout.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
What are All-on-4 dental implants?
All-on-4 is a full-arch implant solution that uses four strategically placed implants to support an entire upper or lower set of teeth. At Star Oral Surgery, we offer All-on-4 as a permanent alternative to traditional dentures.
Who is a good candidate for All-on-4 at Star Oral Surgery?
All-on-4 is designed for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches, or who are facing full extractions. The angled implant placement in All-on-4 often allows avoidance of extensive bone grafting.
How is All-on-4 different from traditional dentures?
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and can shift or require adhesives. All-on-4 implants are fixed in place, function more like natural teeth, and help preserve the jawbone over time.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth removal often occurs in the late teens or early twenties, when the roots are not yet fully developed, making the procedure more straightforward. We recommend removal when teeth are impacted, causing crowding, pain, or infection, or when imaging suggests future problems are likely.
Does Star Oral Surgery remove impacted wisdom teeth?
Yes. Impacted wisdom teeth are one of the most common procedures we perform at Star Oral Surgery. We use 3D cone-beam CT imaging to evaluate tooth position and plan the safest approach.
How long is the recovery from wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients feel significantly better within 3 to 5 days. Swelling and soreness are common in the first 48 to 72 hours. We provide complete post-operative instructions to support your recovery at home.
Bone Grafting
What is bone grafting, and why is it needed?
Bone grafting is a procedure that restores lost or insufficient bone in the jaw. At Star Oral Surgery, bone grafting is commonly performed to prepare a site for a dental implant or to rebuild bone lost due to tooth extraction, gum disease, or injury.
Does bone grafting hurt?
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during surgery. Some soreness and swelling afterward are normal and manageable with the post-operative care instructions and medication we provide.
How long does it take for a bone graft to heal?
Bone graft healing varies with graft size and the individual patient, but the integration process typically takes several months before the area is ready for implant placement. Star Oral Surgery will monitor your healing throughout.
What types of bone grafts does Star Oral Surgery use?
We use a variety of graft materials depending on the clinical situation, including options from the patient, donors, or synthetic sources. We discuss the most appropriate option for your needs during your consultation.
Tooth Extractions
Does Star Oral Surgery perform tooth extractions?
Yes. We perform both simple and surgical extractions at Star Oral Surgery. Surgical extractions are necessary for teeth that are impacted, broken at the gumline, or otherwise difficult to remove with standard techniques.
What is the difference between a simple and surgical extraction?
A simple extraction involves removing a tooth that is visible above the gumline. A surgical extraction is required when a tooth is impacted, fractured, or not easily accessible, and involves making a small incision in the gum. At Star Oral Surgery, we routinely perform surgical extractions.
How do I care for the extraction site after surgery?
Keep the area clean, avoid disturbing the clot, eat soft foods, and follow all post-operative instructions from Star Oral Surgery. Avoid straws, smoking, and spitting for the first several days to protect healing.
Additional Procedures
What is the expose and bond procedure?
The expose and bond procedure is performed when a permanent tooth, typically a canine, is impacted and unable to erupt on its own. At Star Oral Surgery, we surgically expose the tooth and attach a small bracket so your orthodontist can guide it into the correct position.
Does Star Oral Surgery treat oral pathology?
Yes. If you have an unusual growth, lesion, or tissue change in your mouth, we can evaluate and treat it. Early identification of oral pathology is important, and we encourage patients to seek evaluation promptly if something looks or feels different.
What is PRP therapy in oral surgery?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to support healing after surgery. At Star Oral Surgery, PRP may be used following certain extraction or grafting procedures to promote faster, more predictable tissue recovery.
What is 3D cone beam CT imaging?
3D cone-beam CT is an advanced imaging tool that provides a detailed, three-dimensional view of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and surrounding structures. Star Oral Surgery uses this technology for implant planning, wisdom teeth evaluation, and other complex procedures.
What are zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants are a specialized type of implant anchored in the cheekbone rather than the jawbone. They are used for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw who may not be candidates for standard implants. Star Oral Surgery offers zygomatic implants as an advanced full-arch solution.
Insurance and Financial
Does Star Oral Surgery accept dental insurance?
Yes. We work with many dental insurance plans. Our team will help verify your benefits and provide a cost estimate before your procedure begins.
Can medical insurance cover oral surgery?
In some cases, yes. Procedures that are medically necessary, such as removing impacted teeth or treating facial trauma, may be covered in part by medical insurance.
What if I don't have insurance?
Star Oral Surgery offers financing options to help make care accessible. We encourage you to visit our financial information page or contact our office to discuss payment arrangements.