Oral Surgery in Boise, ID

Sometimes, taking care of your smile means doing more than filling a cavity or repairing a damaged tooth. You may need a tooth removed, treatment for an infected tooth, or additional support to prepare your mouth for future dental work. Whatever brings you in, we understand that the words “oral surgery” can feel a little intimidating.

At State Street Dental, we’re here to help make the experience feel as comfortable and personalized as possible. Our skilled dental team in Boise is proud to emphasize thoughtful, patient-focused care that helps protect your oral health while keeping your comfort and needs in mind.

Our top oral surgery services in Boise, ID include:

Tooth Extractions

Whenever possible, preserving your natural teeth is a priority. However, there are times when removing a tooth is the healthiest option. An extraction may be recommended when a tooth is too damaged by decay or injury to be restored, when an infection cannot be adequately treated, or when a tooth is contributing to other oral health concerns.

If you’re experiencing significant tooth pain or swelling, don’t wait for the problem to become more difficult to manage. Contact our office so we can help you determine the next step.

Root Canals

A toothache doesn’t always mean a tooth needs to be removed. When the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may allow us to treat the problem while preserving your natural tooth.

During a root canal, the affected tissue is removed from inside the tooth. The space is cleaned, disinfected, and filled to help prevent further infection. The tooth is then restored, often with a dental crown when additional protection is needed.

Root canals have a reputation for being intimidating, but the purpose of treatment is to address the source of the problem, help relieve pain, and preserve the affected tooth. We’ll explain what to expect and help you stay comfortable throughout the visit.

Bone Grafting

Healthy jawbone plays an important role in supporting your teeth and can be especially important when planning for dental implants. When bone has been lost because of missing teeth, gum disease, injury, or other causes, bone grafting may help rebuild or preserve the area.

Bone grafting involves placing graft material in a specific area to support the body’s natural healing and bone-building process. Depending on your needs, it may be recommended before or as part of dental implant treatment, or to help preserve the bone following a tooth extraction.

What Should I Expect During Oral Surgery?

Every procedure is different, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared. Before recommending treatment, we’ll evaluate the affected area and discuss your options. We’ll explain the purpose of the procedure, how to prepare, and what recovery may involve.

After treatment, following your post-operative instructions is an important part of healing. Depending on the procedure, you may need to eat soft foods, avoid strenuous activity for a period of time, or take special care when cleaning the area. We’ll provide guidance specific to your treatment and let you know when to contact us for support or follow-up care.

Schedule Your Surgical Consultation in Boise, ID

At State Street Dental, our approach is personal, compassionate, and centered on you. If you’re ready to learn more about your surgical treatment options at State Street Dental, contact us today! We’ll help you take the next step toward a healthier, more comfortable smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What procedures are considered oral surgery?

Oral surgery includes procedures that address problems affecting your teeth, gums, and supporting jawbone. At State Street Dental, our oral surgery services include tooth extractions, root canal treatment, and bone grafting. These procedures can help address infection, remove teeth that cannot be restored, and prepare your mouth for future dental treatments.

When is a tooth extraction necessary?

A tooth extraction may be recommended when a tooth is too damaged by decay or injury to be repaired, when an infection cannot be adequately treated, or when a tooth is causing other oral health concerns. Whenever possible, we prioritize preserving your natural teeth. If removal is the healthiest option, we'll explain why and discuss what to expect before moving forward.

Is a root canal better than having a tooth extracted?

When a tooth can be successfully treated and restored, a root canal is often preferred because it allows you to keep your natural tooth. Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth while preserving the remaining structure. Extraction may be necessary when the damage is too extensive to save the tooth. Your dentist will evaluate your situation and help determine the most appropriate option.

Are root canals painful?

Root canals are generally performed with local anesthesia to help keep you comfortable during treatment. While you may experience some tenderness or sensitivity afterward, the procedure itself is designed to address the source of tooth pain rather than cause additional discomfort. Modern techniques have also made root canal treatment more comfortable, predictable, and manageable for patients.

What is bone grafting, and why might I need it?

Dental bone grafting is a procedure that helps rebuild or preserve areas of the jawbone where bone has been lost. It may be recommended after tooth loss, gum disease, injury, or before dental implant placement. The graft material supports your body's natural bone-building process, helping create a healthier foundation for future dental treatment.

Is bone grafting necessary before dental implants?

Not everyone needs bone grafting before receiving dental implants. However, if you've experienced jawbone loss or don't have enough bone to adequately support an implant, grafting may be recommended. Your dentist will evaluate your bone structure and overall oral health to determine whether additional preparation is needed before implant placement.

How long does it take to recover from oral surgery?

Recovery depends on the type of procedure and your individual healing process. Many patients feel better within a few days after a straightforward extraction, while more involved procedures, such as bone grafting, may require several weeks or months for the area to heal fully. Root canal recovery is often relatively quick, although some tenderness may last for a few days. We'll provide specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment.

What can I eat after oral surgery?

Soft foods are generally recommended during the initial healing period following many oral surgery procedures. Options like yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and smoothies can be easier to manage while your mouth recovers. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods until your dentist says it's safe to resume your normal diet. If you've had a tooth extraction, avoid using straws because the suction can disturb the healing blood clot.

How do I know if I need oral surgery?

Persistent tooth pain, swelling, an infected tooth, significant dental damage, or concerns about missing teeth may indicate that additional treatment is needed. However, not every problem requires surgery. A dental exam with our team at State Street Dental, along with any necessary imaging, can help identify what's happening and determine whether an extraction, root canal, bone graft, or another treatment is right for your smile.

Meet Your New Dentist

A Boise-area dentist with a DMD from Roseman University of Health Sciences and advanced training through an AEGD residency at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Emily Lear brings real depth of skill to every visit. Her approach centers on the patient—listening closely, easing any nerves, and tailoring care so each person leaves with a healthier, more confident smile.