Oral surgeries are surgical procedures performed in the head, neck, face, jaws as well as the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Just because you have been referred for oral surgery does not necessarily mean that you have a difficult-to-treat condition it simply means that an oral surgeon is a specialist with the training and skill to treat your specific condition for the very best results. Oral surgery procedures include simple and complex teeth extractions (including wisdom teeth), dental implant placement, repair of facial and jaw bone fractures, treatment of cysts and tumors of the jaws, soft tissue biopsies, jaw realignment surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) to correct the bite, surgical treatment of TMJ, and various types of cosmetic procedures. If youre wondering if there is a difference between oral surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery, you wouldnt be the first. To clarify, there is no difference oral simply refers to your mouth, while maxillofacial refers to your entire jaw and face. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to diagnose and perform surgery to treat injuries or problems in the maxillofacial areas, including the mouth!

Patients who have received treatment in our Pocatello, Blackfoot, and Preston practice locations have shared their personal experiences with oral surgery to help you feel at ease about your own procedures.

Just the mention of oral surgery can give patients a sense of dread but dont worry, oral surgeons are uniquely qualified to treat you in the least invasive way possible with your absolute comfort in mind. All oral surgeons earn a four-year graduate degree in dentistry and then go on to complete a hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program for four or more years where they are trained in emergency medicine, general surgery, and anesthesiology. So, while all oral surgeons are dentists, not all dentists are oral surgeons. Oral surgeons are the only healthcare specialists other than anesthesiologists who can administer all levels of sedation, including general anesthesia. At our southeast Idaho practice, we are extremely sensitive to our patients needs and offer sedation dentistry medicationsfor patients who may be experiencing anxiety about receiving oral surgery.

A certified and experienced oral surgeon is the most qualified provider to place dental implants and provide other types of tooth replacements such as implant-supported dentures and bridges. In addition, your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the following reasons:

No matter what type of oral surgery you require, you are in the very best hands at Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho. Drs. Baker and Jepsen stay up to date on the latest methods and surgical techniques and bring to southeast Idaho a vast knowledge of the technology and procedures that can dramatically increase your quality of life. Drs. Baker and Jepsen perform the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including cosmetic procedures, with your comfort, overall health, and well-being in mind. Our team is available to answer your questions and address your concerns to help make your oral surgery experience positive every step of the way, so please dont hesitate to contact us.

The staff and doctors of Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho are here to guide you before, during, and after your oral surgery, but you are also a very important part of your care team! For a smoother recovery, we recommend that our patients take the time to prepare for the period following their procedure. We will provide you with all the information and instructions you will need to review carefully before you undergo oral surgery at our practice, but here is an overview of some of the things to keep in mind.

We provide oral surgery services in the comfort of our welcoming Pocatello, Blackfoot, and Preston practice locations, which means that you will be receiving outpatient surgery and will be discharged soon after your procedure. You will likely be under the effects of anesthesia, so it is imperative that you arrange transportation to and from our practice. If possible, you should have someone with you at home for at least 24 hours after your surgery to ensure you are able to rest and to assist you should there be any complications.

Your doctor may prescribe pain control or other medications for you to take during your recovery. You will want these medications to be ready for you at home after your surgery so that you do not have to worry about picking them up postoperatively.

Its a good idea to make sure your home is prepared for a smooth recovery period in advance of your surgery. This includes the basics such as making sure your bed linens are clean but expendable as they may become stained. Consider setting up plenty of pillows to make sure your head is supported upright to help keep swelling down. Place some pleasant reading materials within reach and be sure your phone and phone charger are nearby in case you need any assistance. Stock the fridge with the soft foods and liquids you will enjoy comfortably post-surgery and be sure to have ice packs in the freezer.

Most of our patients report comfortable recoveries free of complications. All oral surgeries involve a certain amount of discomfort, but the pain and swelling should ease after about two to three days. If your pain feels unmanageable despite your prescription or over-the-counter medications, or if youre bleeding more than is expected, please call us so that we can take care of you. Your recovery time will vary depending on the type of procedure you are receiving, but if you follow your pre- and post-surgical instructions carefully, you will quickly be back to your regular routine and activities.

Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho has a long and rich history in southeast Idaho. The business began back in 1949 with Dr. Bland Weaver Sutton, who was one of the first oral surgeons in Idaho. His vision for an oral surgery practice was to provide needed services that truly enhance patients lives. Oral surgery has long been a profession of compassion oral surgeons often relieve great pain, but they also offer a chance for the incredible emotional rehabilitation that comes with a restored smile. With renewed confidence in their smiles, oral surgery patients are rewarded daily and for years to come with an increased quality of life. Together with their friendly, capable, and caring team, Dr. Baker and Dr. Jepsen are proud to continue the legacy of Dr. Sutton with patient-centric, comfortable care, and reliable, lasting results. Our practice continues to thrive and grow, with three state-of-the-art offices in Pocatello, Blackfoot, and Preston, ID. Thank you for the opportunity to go above and beyond to care for you!

Dr. Mark Baker was born in Finland and moved to the states as a child, growing up in Sacramento. Going into oral surgery was an obvious choice for Dr. Baker he always knew that he wanted to heal people and genuinely loves performing surgery. A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Baker is always thrilled to work with the people of southeast Idaho, honored to treat generations of local families he has known for the many years he has been with Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho. Dr. Baker would like his patients to know that the staff at our practice is second-to-none, and you will always leave our care healthier and happier.

Dr. Baker currently holds active memberships with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association, and the Idaho Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

In his spare time, Dr. Baker loves hunting, skiing, and spending time in the outdoors with his family. He is also on the board of Idaho Condor, a local organization that sends Idaho doctors and dentists to Peru with pre-med students for humanitarian work in indigenous villages. Whenever possible, the doctor also lends his time and talents to needy families in South America.