Surgical Procedures

At Stephen B. Bookmyer, DDS, MD, we offer a range of dental procedures to patients near Round Rock, TX.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are small, medical-grade titanium posts that an oral surgeon places in the jaw to act as artificial tooth roots, fusing with bone in a process called osseointegration . Once healed, a custom crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis (including All-on-4® options) is attached, restoring chewing strength and preventing the bone loss that follows tooth loss . Surgery is usually an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, with most patients returning to routine activities within 24–48 hours and full integration taking three-to-six months.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace missing teeth, functioning and looking like natural teeth to restore eating and smiling abilities.

How are dental implants placed?

Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace tooth roots. They fuse with the bone and provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth.

How many surgeries are involved?

Typically, the dental implant process involves a single surgery. During this surgery, the implants are placed and allowed to bond with the jawbone for three to six months. Small posts are then attached in a separate procedure as anchors for the replacement teeth.

Who is involved in implant surgery?

Implant surgery is a collaboration between an oral surgeon and a restorative dentist. The surgeon performs the implant surgery and any necessary extractions or bone grafting, while the restorative dentist creates the permanent prosthetics.

What is All-on-4® treatment?

The All-on-4® treatment concept uses four implants to replace a full arch of teeth, offering benefits such as better aesthetics, function, and stability over traditional methods. Contact us today to learn more!

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth often erupt into a jaw that has room for only 28 teeth, leading to painful impaction, infection, cysts, or crowding . Surgical removal is a quick outpatient procedure—typically 45 minutes or less for all four teeth—performed under local, IV, or general anesthesia . Mild swelling and soreness peak at 48 hours; most young adults resume school or work within a week, provided they follow soft-food and hygiene instructions to avoid dry socket.

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth often cause problems as they try to fit into a mouth that is already full. They can grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, or get trapped beneath the gum and bone. These poorly positioned impacted teeth can lead to infection, swelling, pain, and even the movement or disruption of other teeth. Tumors or cysts may also form around impacted wisdom teeth, damaging the jawbone and healthy teeth.

How are wisdom teeth evaluated?

An oral examination and x-rays are used to evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict any present or future problems. Early evaluation and treatment can result in a better outcome for the patient.

How are wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas, or general anesthesia. The method and surgical risks will be discussed with the patient before the procedure. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured, and postoperative care instructions, pain medication, and antibiotics are provided.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Early removal of wisdom teeth is recommended to avoid future problems and reduce surgical risks. Patients are generally evaluated in their mid-teenage years by a dentist, orthodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Bone Grafting

When teeth have been missing for months, the jaw may shrink too much to anchor an implant. A dental bone graft adds or regenerates hard tissue so implants of proper length and width can be placed safely . Grafts may come from a tissue bank, your own hip or jaw, or synthetic materials; some cases require a sinus lift in the upper jaw. Initial healing takes about one week, but the new bone continues to mature for three-to-nine months before implant placement.

Why is bone grafting necessary for dental implants?

Bone grafting is necessary when the jawbone lacks quality and quantity to support dental implants due to tooth loss, atrophy, or reabsorption.

How does bone grafting work?

Bone grafting involves growing new bone in areas where it is needed. This allows for the placement of implants that are the proper length and width, restoring functionality and aesthetic appearance.

How is bone grafting performed?

Bone grafts can be obtained from a tissue bank or taken from the patient’s own jaw, hip, or tibia. Sinus bone grafts are used to replace bone in the posterior upper jaw. Special membranes may also be used to protect the bone graft and promote regeneration.

What is major bone grafting?

Major bone grafting repairs jaw defects caused by trauma, tumors, or congenital abnormalities. The patient’s own bone is often used and can be harvested from the skull, hip, or lateral knee. These procedures are performed in an operating room and may require a hospital stay.

Additional Procedures

Facial Trauma

Facial trauma refers to injuries to the face, which can range from soft tissue lacerations to fractures of facial bones and jaws. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to manage and treat facial trauma, considering both physical and emotional aspects. Treatment may involve suturing lacerations, stabilizing fractures with wiring or small plates and screws, and replanting displaced or knocked out teeth. Immediate dental care is crucial for tooth injuries, including splinting and reinsertion of knocked out teeth. In some cases, dental specialists may perform root canal therapy or utilize dental implants for tooth replacements.

Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Pre-prosthetic surgery refers to oral surgical procedures that may be necessary before receiving a partial or complete denture. These procedures may include bone smoothing and reshaping, removal of excess bone or gum tissue, bone ridge reduction, or exposing impacted teeth to ensure maximum comfort and proper fitting of the denture. Your specific needs will be discussed and decided upon during your appointment.

Oral Pathology

Any changes in the appearance of the lining inside the mouth could indicate a pathological process, with the most serious being oral cancer. Signs of a potential problem include reddish or whitish patches, a non-healing and easily bleeding sore, a lump or thickening in the mouth, and chronic sore throat or difficulty in chewing or swallowing. These changes can occur in various areas of the mouth and can also be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue, tongue, face, and neck. Pain is not always present in oral cancer cases. It is important to perform monthly self-examinations for oral cancer and seek professional help if any suspicious lumps or sores are noticed.

Impacted Canines

Impacted Canines occur when a tooth is stuck and unable to erupt properly. This commonly happens with wisdom teeth, but can also affect the maxillary cuspid (upper eyetooth). Early recognition is key for successful treatment, which may involve orthodontic braces or extraction. Surgery to expose and bracket an impacted tooth is a straightforward procedure that typically involves minimal pain and swelling. Regular follow-up with a dentist or orthodontist is important for monitoring healing and ensuring proper oral hygiene.

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Stephen B. Bookmyer, DDS, MD
2100 Round Rock Ave
Round Rock, TX 78681

Phone: 512-244-3855

Fax: 512-733-5022

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Business Hours:
Friday 7:30am - 2:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Serving the Areas:
Austin TX • Cedar Park TX • Taylor TX • Pflugerville TX • Leander TX • Hutto TX • Georgetown TX

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