Articles

IV Sedation vs Laughing Gas: Choosing the Right Option in Atlanta

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:21:37 GMT

If you're nervous about oral surgery, choosing how relaxed you'll be is one of the first things that helps you feel in control. In Atlanta, board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Jennifer Okhiria offers laughing gas, oral sedation and IV sedation, always alongside local anesthesia that numbs the area completely. Laughing gas suits shorter, simpler procedures and wears off within minutes, while IV sedation suits longer surgery like wisdom teeth and implants, and the right choice depends on your health, the procedure and how you feel about it.

Feeling Calm With Laughing Gas

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is the lightest option. You breathe it through a small nose piece and feel relaxed within a few minutes, while staying awake and able to talk with the team. It wears off quickly once the mask comes off, so many adults can drive themselves home. It's a good fit for short procedures like a simple extraction, and it's commonly used for kids and teens because it works fast and leaves fast. The ADA's MouthHealthy guide notes that sedation can involve gases you breathe in, pills you take or medicine that is injected, and laughing gas is the first of those. So how does it compare with IV sedation?

Resting Through Surgery With IV Sedation

IV sedation is medicine given through a small line in your arm that leaves you deeply relaxed and drowsy. You breathe on your own the whole time, and most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure afterward. It is not general anesthesia, which puts you fully to sleep with a breathing tube. For wisdom teeth, implants and most longer surgery, IV sedation is what many patients choose, and Dr. Okhiria gives it herself, with you monitored throughout. You can read more about how she keeps it safe in our guide to IV sedation safety .

Oral Sedation, the Option in Between

Oral sedation is a calming medication, similar to Valium, taken before your appointment. You'll feel drowsy and relaxed, more than with laughing gas but less than with IV sedation, and because the pill keeps working for a while, you'll need someone to bring you in and drive you home.

Matching the Option to the Procedure

Local anesthesia numbs the area completely, so sedation is about how you feel, not about pain control. For many simple extractions, local anesthesia on its own or with laughing gas is all you need. Longer or more complex surgery usually calls for IV sedation, and lighter options aren't the right fit there. Your health matters just as much: Dr. Okhiria reviews your full medical history before offering any sedation. "I don't take risk," she says. "If I feel like something is risky, I'm not going to do it." When office sedation isn't the safe choice for you, she arranges an anesthesiologist or a hospital setting, where she holds privileges.

Getting Home Afterward

After laughing gas, our team checks that you feel clear before you leave, and many adults drive themselves. After oral or IV sedation, an adult needs to drive you home, and after IV sedation they should stay with you for the rest of the day. No driving, work or big decisions until the next day.

Sedation at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite

Dr. Okhiria is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, trained in a hospital setting that included general surgery, and by her own estimate she has done thousands of sedation cases. Her team checks equipment and emergency medications on a weekly and monthly schedule and runs emergency drills every quarter. "It's not about what happens when things go right," she says. "It's more about what happens when things go wrong." At your consult, she'll talk through each option with you and recommend the one that fits your health and your procedure, not a default. Read more about laughing gas and oral sedation and IV sedation in Atlanta .

Common Questions About IV Sedation and Laughing Gas in Atlanta

These are the questions Atlanta patients ask us most often when choosing a sedation option.

What is the difference between IV sedation and laughing gas?

Laughing gas is breathed through a nose piece, keeps you awake and relaxed, and wears off within minutes. IV sedation is given through a line in your arm and leaves you deeply relaxed with little memory of the procedure. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, both are used with local anesthesia.

Can I drive myself home after laughing gas?

Often, yes. Laughing gas wears off quickly once the mask comes off, and many adults can drive themselves home. If you also had oral sedation or feel at all drowsy, you'll need a driver. Our Atlanta team checks how you're feeling before you leave the office.

Which is better for wisdom teeth removal?

Most patients choose IV sedation for wisdom teeth, because it lets you rest through the procedure and remember little. Local anesthesia alone or with laughing gas is also an option for simpler cases. Dr. Okhiria in Atlanta helps you decide based on your scan, your health and how you feel.

Is laughing gas safe for kids?

Yes. It's commonly used for children because it works quickly and wears off fast. Dr. Okhiria uses it for many short procedures on kids and teens at our Atlanta office, always alongside local anesthesia, and she talks to children directly in plain words before anything happens.

Will I feel pain with laughing gas?

Local anesthesia numbs the area fully, so you shouldn't feel pain. Laughing gas helps you feel calm and less aware of pressure and sounds. If anything feels uncomfortable at any point, tell our team at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta and they'll pause right away.

Choosing Together at Your Consult

You don't have to pick an option before you understand them. At a consult in Buckhead, Dr. Okhiria will review your health, explain how each option would feel for your procedure and tell you which one she'd recommend. Call (470) 944-1881 or book a time online .

Wisdom Teeth Recovery Day by Day: An Atlanta Oral Surgeon's Guide

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:21:37 GMT

Knowing what each day of wisdom teeth recovery should feel like takes most of the worry out of it. In Atlanta, most patients of board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Jennifer Okhiria are back to school or work in two to four days, eat soft foods for about five to seven days, and see the sockets heal over about one to two weeks. This guide walks through each stage of the week, and when to call us.

Resting Through the First Day

Surgery day is for resting, and nothing else. If you had IV sedation, an adult needs to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day, and you shouldn't drive, work or make big decisions until the next day. Gauze over the area helps with the light bleeding that is normal at first, and a cold pack held against your cheek, with breaks, helps keep swelling down. Lying with your head raised on an extra pillow is often more comfortable. Start with cool, soft foods like yogurt or applesauce, which Mayo Clinic recommends for the first 24 hours.

Taking It Easy on Days Two and Three

Some soreness and swelling are normal for the first few days, and Mayo Clinic notes that cheek swelling usually gets better in two or three days. Keep eating soft foods, take the medications on your written instructions exactly as listed, and skip hard exercise for a few days so the healing spots aren't disturbed. Soreness that eases a little each day means healing is on track, and many people are back at school or work somewhere between day two and day four. If you aren't sure whether something is normal, call us: our team would much rather hear from you.

Preventing a Dry Socket

After a tooth comes out, a blood clot forms in the socket and protects the bone while it heals. A dry socket happens when that clot comes loose too early, leaving the bone exposed and painful. The good news is that most of the prevention is in your hands, and it comes down to a few simple habits in the first week.

Habits That Protect the Healing Sockets

Don't use a straw: Mayo Clinic advises avoiding straws for at least a week, because the sucking action can pull the clot loose. If you smoke, don't for at least 72 hours, and longer if you can, according to Mayo Clinic. Rinse only when and how your written instructions say to, so the clot stays where it belongs.

Signs a Dry Socket May Be Starting

Pain that gets worse after day three, instead of steadily better, is the sign to watch for. Call our Atlanta office if that happens, because a dry socket is treatable and you don't need to wait it out.

Getting Back to Normal by Week Two

By the end of the first week most people are easing back into their usual routine. Stay with soft foods for about five to seven days, then add firmer foods back as they feel comfortable. The sockets themselves keep healing over about one to two weeks, so if a spot still feels tender when you chew, that's normal. Everyone heals a little differently, and your written instructions always come first for your own case. Our first-week aftercare guide covers the basics for any oral surgery.

Recovery Care at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite

Dr. Okhiria is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and wisdom teeth are the procedure she performs most. Recovery planning starts at the consult, with a 3D CBCT scan that shows where each tooth and nerve sits, so you know before surgery day what the procedure involves. You go home with written instructions for the next few days, and she makes the follow-up call herself. When all four wisdom teeth need to come out, she usually recommends one visit, which means one recovery to plan around instead of several. You can read more about wisdom teeth removal in Atlanta and, if a tooth ever flares up before surgery, our guide to an infected wisdom tooth .

Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Recovery in Atlanta

These are the questions Atlanta patients and parents ask us most often after wisdom teeth removal.

How long does wisdom teeth recovery take?

Most people are back to school or work in two to four days, and soreness eases a little each day. The sockets keep healing over about one to two weeks. Recovery varies, so Dr. Okhiria in Atlanta gives you written instructions for your own case and calls to check on you.

When can I eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?

Plan on soft foods for about five to seven days, starting with cool, soft foods on the first day. After that, add firmer foods back slowly as they feel comfortable, at your own pace. Your written instructions from our Atlanta office list what to eat and what to skip.

How do I know if I have a dry socket?

The main sign is pain that gets worse after day three instead of steadily better. A dry socket is treatable, so call The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta if you notice it and our team will get you in to be seen.

When can I exercise after wisdom teeth removal?

Skip hard exercise for a few days so the healing sockets aren't disturbed. If you had IV sedation, rest for the whole day of surgery. Dr. Okhiria's written instructions from our Atlanta office tell you when it's safe to return to your usual workouts.

When should I call the office during recovery?

Call if pain gets worse after day three, or if anything about your healing doesn't feel right to you. Go straight to an emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing. Our Atlanta team would always rather hear from you early than have you worry at home.

Planning a Recovery You Can Feel Good About

The easiest recoveries start with a clear plan. At a consult in Buckhead, Dr. Okhiria will look at your scan with you, explain what surgery day and the week after will look like, and answer every question before anything is scheduled. Call (470) 944-1881 or book a time online .

Tooth Extraction in Atlanta: What to Expect From an Oral Surgeon

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:21:36 GMT

Hearing that a tooth can't be saved is hard, even when it has been bothering you for a while. In Atlanta, a tooth extraction with board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Jennifer Okhiria starts with a 3D scan and a conversation about what will replace the tooth, so the day it comes out is also the first step toward what comes next. Most single extractions heal in about one to two weeks, and you go home with written instructions and a follow-up call from her.

Deciding a Tooth Can't Be Saved

Keeping your own tooth is usually the best choice when a filling, crown or root canal has a real chance of working, and in most cases your dentist has already tried or ruled those out before sending you to us. Dr. Okhiria confirms it on a CBCT scan, a 3D image that shows the tooth, the bone around it and the nerves nearby, and she walks you through it on a big screen so you can see exactly what she sees. If she thinks the tooth still has a chance, she'll tell you and send you back to your dentist to try, because an extraction is the one step that can't be undone. So what usually puts a tooth past saving?

Common Reasons a Tooth Comes Out

Deep decay, a fracture or an infection that a crown or root canal can't fix are the reasons Dr. Okhiria sees most often. Wisdom teeth are their own story, and you can read about them in our guide to wisdom teeth that don't hurt . For kids and teens, the reason is often a baby tooth or an extra tooth that is blocking an adult tooth, and that timing is planned with their orthodontist.

Planning for What Replaces the Tooth

If you might want an implant later, it's worth deciding before the extraction, not after. A bone graft placed in the socket the same day keeps the bone from shrinking while it heals, which makes the implant simpler down the road. When several teeth come out at once, an immediate denture can go in at the same visit, so you aren't left without teeth: your general dentist usually makes it, and we coordinate the timing with them. You can read more about bone grafting in Atlanta and single-tooth implants .

Staying Comfortable on Extraction Day

The area is numbed completely with local anesthesia, so you feel pressure, not pain, and for many simple extractions that is all you need. Many people like to add laughing gas, which helps you feel calm and wears off within minutes after the mask comes off. For longer or more complex extractions, IV sedation lets you rest through it and remember little afterward. Dr. Okhiria reviews your health at the consult and helps you choose, and if you have sedation, an adult needs to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Our guide to IV sedation vs laughing gas compares the options side by side.

Healing in the Days After

A blood clot forms in the socket and protects it while it heals, so the first days are about keeping that clot in place. Mayo Clinic describes dry socket as what happens when that clot is lost and the bone underneath is exposed, and it's the main reason your instructions say no straws and no smoking for a while. Stick to soft foods for the first several days, rest more than you think you need to, and follow the written instructions you take home. Most single extractions heal in about one to two weeks, and our first-week aftercare guide walks through it day by day.

Extractions at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite

Dr. Okhiria is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and extractions and wisdom teeth are a big part of her week. "We are what we repeatedly do," she likes to say. Every extraction starts with a CBCT scan and ends with written aftercare and a follow-up call from the surgeon herself. We don't do fillings, crowns or root canals, so if a tooth might be saved, the right place to start is your general dentist or an endodontist, and we'll tell you that. Most patients come to us with a referral from their dentist, and you're welcome without one. The office is on the eighth floor at 1800 Peachtree Road in Buckhead. Read more about tooth extractions in Atlanta .

Common Questions About Tooth Extractions in Atlanta

These are the questions Atlanta patients ask us most often before an extraction.

Does a tooth extraction hurt?

The area is fully numbed with local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure, not pain. Laughing gas or IV sedation can help if you feel anxious. Afterward, expect some soreness for a few days. Dr. Okhiria in Atlanta sends you home with written instructions and calls to check on you herself.

How long does it take to heal after a tooth extraction?

Most single extractions heal in about one to two weeks. Plan on soft foods for the first several days and follow the written instructions you receive at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta. Healing varies from person to person, and Dr. Okhiria checks in after your procedure to see how you're doing.

Should I get a bone graft when my tooth is pulled?

If you might want an implant later, a graft placed in the socket the same day keeps the bone from shrinking and makes the implant simpler. Not everyone needs one. Dr. Okhiria in Atlanta reviews your 3D scan and explains whether a graft makes sense for your tooth before anything is decided.

Can I get a denture the same day as my extractions?

Often, yes. When several teeth come out at once, an immediate denture can go in at the same visit, so you aren't left without teeth. Your general dentist usually makes it, and The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta coordinates the timing with them from the first consult.

Do I need a referral for a tooth extraction?

No. Many patients come to us through their general dentist, but you can request a consult directly at our Atlanta office. Bring any recent X-rays if you have them. If a filling, crown or root canal might still save the tooth, Dr. Okhiria will tell you and send you to the right place.

A Clear Plan Before the Tooth Comes Out

You don't have to decide anything until you understand it. At a consult in Buckhead, Dr. Okhiria will look at your scan with you, explain whether the tooth can be saved and lay out a plan for what replaces it. Call (470) 944-1881 or book a time online .

Infected Wisdom Tooth in Atlanta: When to Call and When to Go to the ER

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:20:34 GMT

A wisdom tooth that suddenly throbs, swells or tastes bad is hard to ignore, and it's hard to know how fast you need to act. In Atlanta, the short answer from board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Jennifer Okhiria is this: call an oral surgeon the same morning for pain and mild swelling, and go to an emergency room right away if swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, you have a fever, or you have trouble breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth. Dental infections can move quickly, and the right first stop depends on which of those you're feeling.

Recognizing an Infected Wisdom Tooth

Wisdom teeth that only partly break through the gum leave a flap of tissue where food and bacteria collect, and that's where many infections start. Mayo Clinic lists infection and gum disease around partly erupted wisdom teeth among the most common reasons they come out. You might notice a dull ache at the back of your jaw that keeps building, gums that look puffy or red behind your last molar, a bad taste that won't rinse away, or a jaw that feels stiff when you open wide. Any of these is a reason to call, even if the pain comes and goes.

Signs That Mean the Emergency Room, Not the Office

Go straight to an emergency room, or call 911, if swelling is spreading toward your eye or down your neck, you're running a fever, you feel seriously ill, or you have trouble breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth. Those signs mean the infection may be moving into the spaces of your face and neck, and that needs hospital care right away.

Signs That Mean Calling an Oral Surgeon Today

If you have pain, mild swelling near the tooth or a bad taste, without the warning signs above, call an oral surgeon first thing in the morning. An exam and X-rays show whether the tooth should come out that day or whether the infection needs to calm down first, and you leave with a plan either way.

Waiting Makes the Problem Bigger

Dr. Okhiria sees what happens when a wisdom tooth gets put off. She recently cared for a 25-year-old patient who had been told the tooth needed to come out and kept postponing it. The infection spread into the face and neck, the patient went to the emergency room, and Dr. Okhiria took them to the operating room within 24 hours to drain the infection and remove the tooth. "It just shows you that dental infections can go south very quickly," she says. Her advice for anyone carrying a wisdom tooth they've been told about: "Don't avoid it, just confront it."

Urgent Care at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite

Dr. Okhiria is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, with hospital privileges for the cases that need an operating room. In the office, we fit urgent patients around scheduled surgery, so calling early in the day gives you the best chance of being seen. She examines the area, takes X-rays and explains whether the tooth comes out now or after the infection settles, and IV sedation is available when it's safe for you. You leave with written instructions, and she makes the follow-up call herself. You can read more about urgent oral surgery in Atlanta and wisdom teeth removal .

Common Questions About an Infected Wisdom Tooth in Atlanta

These are the questions Atlanta patients ask us most often when a wisdom tooth flares up.

Is an infected wisdom tooth an emergency?

It can be. Spreading swelling toward the eye or neck, fever, or trouble breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth means going to an emergency room now. Pain and mild swelling without those signs is urgent, not an emergency: call The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta first thing in the morning so Dr. Okhiria can examine it.

Can an infected wisdom tooth be pulled the same day?

Often, yes. Sometimes the swelling needs to calm down before the tooth comes out safely, and Dr. Okhiria decides that from the exam and X-rays. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, either way you leave with a clear plan, written instructions and a follow-up call from her.

Will antibiotics fix an infected wisdom tooth?

Antibiotics can help control a spreading infection, but they usually don't solve the problem, because the tooth is still the source. Most infected wisdom teeth need to be removed once it's safe. In Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria explains whether antibiotics are part of your plan and why before prescribing anything.

Can I wait until the pain goes away?

Pain that fades doesn't mean the infection is gone. Infections around wisdom teeth tend to come back while the tooth is still there. Dr. Okhiria in Atlanta has cared for a young, healthy patient who ended up in the hospital after waiting, so a consult while things are calm is the safer choice.

What if my wisdom tooth flares up after hours?

For severe swelling, fever, or trouble breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth, go straight to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, call our Atlanta office and follow the recorded instructions, then call again when we open. Our team works urgent patients into the day as soon as we can.

Getting Seen Before It Gets Worse

If a wisdom tooth is sore, swollen or tastes bad, a same-morning call is the best first step. Dr. Okhiria will examine it, tell you what she sees and lay out what happens next. Call (470) 944-1881 or request a consult online . If you have any of the emergency signs above, go to the nearest emergency room instead.

When Should You Worry About a Mouth Sore? Oral Biopsies in Atlanta

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:20:33 GMT

Most mouth sores are harmless and heal on their own, so it's natural to wait on one that doesn't. In Atlanta, the simple rule Dr. Jennifer Okhiria gives patients is this: if a sore, patch or lump hasn't gone away in two to three weeks, have it looked at. Most turn out to be nothing serious, and the ones that aren't are much easier to treat when they're found early.

A Mouth Sore That Needs a Closer Look

Canker sores, a bitten cheek or a burn from hot coffee usually heal within a week or two. A spot that lingers past that deserves an exam. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that if you have symptoms like a sore, lump, thick patch, or white or red patches for more than two weeks, you should see a dentist or a doctor. Dr. Okhiria's version is nearly the same: "once it does not go away after two to three weeks," it's time for an evaluation. She also cautions that trouble doesn't always look dramatic. "Oral cancer does not always look angry," she says. "It can be very subtle changes." So what counts as a subtle change?

Signs Worth Paying Attention To

Watch for a sore that won't heal, a white or red patch, a lump or thickened area, or bleeding with no clear cause. Numbness in the tongue or lip, trouble chewing or swallowing, or a denture that suddenly fits differently are also worth mentioning. None of these means cancer on its own; each is a reason to get a clear answer.

Risk Factors That Raise the Stakes

According to NIDCR, tobacco in any form, heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, sun exposure to the lips and being over 40 all raise the risk of oral cancer. If any of those apply to you, don't wait on a spot that isn't healing: let a professional take a look.

Waiting Versus Checking Early

It's tempting to give a sore "one more week." But a lingering spot that turns out to be harmless means a short visit, while a serious one found late is much harder to treat. Checking early is how you get peace of mind either way.

Inside an Oral Biopsy Visit

A biopsy means taking a small sample of tissue so a pathology lab can study it under a microscope, and it's the only way to know for certain what a suspicious area is. Dr. Okhiria first examines the spot and asks about how long it's been there and what might have caused it. If a biopsy is needed, the area is numbed, a small piece of tissue is removed, and a few stitches may be placed. Then comes the part people dread most, waiting for results, and Dr. Okhiria walks you through the pathology report herself and explains what it means for you, including any next steps. You can read more about an oral biopsy in Atlanta .

Biopsies With Dr. Okhiria in Buckhead

Dr. Okhiria is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth and jaw is part of her surgical training, and it's part of her regular work at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite. Many biopsy patients are referred by their general dentist, and she sends that dentist a clear report so everyone stays on the same page. Her office is on the eighth floor at 1800 Peachtree Road in Buckhead, and you'll hear from her directly after your procedure. If you've been watching a spot and wondering, you don't need a referral to ask.

Common Questions About Oral Biopsies in Atlanta

These are the questions Atlanta patients ask most often about mouth sores and biopsies.

When should I worry about a mouth sore?

If a sore, patch or lump hasn't healed in two to three weeks, have it examined. Most are harmless, but a lingering spot deserves a clear answer. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria examines the area and recommends a biopsy only when it's needed to know for sure what it is.

Does an oral biopsy hurt?

The area is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure, not pain, during the biopsy. Afterward, the site may be tender for a few days, similar to a small cut in the mouth. Dr. Okhiria gives Atlanta patients written aftercare instructions and checks in after the procedure to see how you're healing.

How long do biopsy results take?

The tissue goes to a pathology lab, and timing depends on the lab and the testing your sample needs. Our team will tell you what to expect before you leave. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria reviews the pathology report with you personally and explains what it means and what comes next.

Does a biopsy mean I have cancer?

No. A biopsy is how a surgeon finds out what an area is, and most results are not cancer. Many turn out to be irritation, infection or a harmless growth. Getting a biopsy in Atlanta replaces worry with a real answer, and Dr. Okhiria will talk you through the results either way.

Do I need a referral for an oral biopsy?

Many patients come to us through their general dentist, but you can request a consult directly. If your dentist has already noted the area, bring any recent X-rays or notes. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria shares her findings with your dentist so your regular care stays coordinated.

Getting a Clear Answer About a Spot That Won't Heal

You don't have to keep guessing about a sore that's been hanging around. At a consult in Buckhead, Dr. Okhiria will examine the area, explain what she sees and tell you whether a biopsy makes sense. Call (470) 944-1881 or book a time online .

Do I Need a Bone Graft Before a Dental Implant in Atlanta?

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:20:32 GMT

Hearing "you might need a bone graft" can make a single implant suddenly feel like a much bigger project. In Atlanta, many people planning a dental implant need some grafting, and often it's smaller and simpler than it sounds. A graft rebuilds the bone an implant sits in when there isn't enough of it, and whether you need one comes down to what a 3D scan of your jaw shows.

Needing a Bone Graft Before an Implant

An implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth, and it needs enough healthy bone around it to handle the pressure of chewing. Mayo Clinic explains that grafting is needed when the jawbone isn't thick enough or is too soft to support an implant. Bone often shrinks after a tooth is lost, especially if the gap has been there for a while, and infection or gum disease can wear it down too. Dr. Jennifer Okhiria explains it with a gardening picture: "You need to have potting soil, because existing soil is sometimes not sufficient to support the growth of the new plants." So how do you find out how much "soil" you have?

Reading the 3D Scan

A regular dental X-ray is flat. A CBCT scan is a 3D image that shows the height, width and density of your jawbone, along with nerves and sinuses nearby. Dr. Okhiria plans implants from that scan and walks you through it on a big screen, so you can see the gap for yourself before any decision is made.

Grafting at the Time of Extraction

If a tooth is being removed and an implant is planned later, a graft can often be placed in the socket right away. Dr. Okhiria notes that adding the graft at extraction doesn't add anything noticeable to recovery: it protects the bone while the site heals, so the implant has a better foundation when the time comes.

Graft Materials

Graft material can come from your own jaw, a human donor, an animal source or a synthetic bone substitute, according to Mayo Clinic. Each works as a scaffold your body gradually replaces with its own bone, and Dr. Okhiria will explain which material she recommends for your site and why, in everyday language.

Grafting and Your Timeline

It depends on the size of the graft. Mayo Clinic notes that a larger graft may need several months to grow enough new bone for an implant, while minor grafting can sometimes be done at the same visit the implant is placed. At your consult you'll get a timeline for your own mouth instead of a general guess. For some patients that means one surgery; for others it means a graft first and the implant later, with a temporary tooth so you aren't left with a visible gap in the meantime. You can read more about how we approach bone grafting in Atlanta .

Implant Planning at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite

Implants and wisdom teeth are the work Dr. Okhiria does most. She's a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and she still takes facial trauma call at a hospital a few weeks a year. "If I can repair a face and put that together, I can definitely do implants," she says. She is also candid that implants are a tool: "a tool to help you chew," not a copy of natural teeth. Planning happens on a CBCT scan, and in many cases your general dentist makes the final tooth, with Dr. Okhiria coordinating with them from the first scan. If you've been told you're "not a candidate," a second look is worth it.

Common Questions About Bone Grafts for Dental Implants in Atlanta

These are the questions Atlanta patients ask most often when a graft comes up in implant planning.

Do I need a bone graft for a dental implant?

Only if there isn't enough healthy bone to hold the implant. Bone often shrinks after a tooth is lost, so grafting is common, but many patients need little or none. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria measures your jawbone on a 3D scan and shows you the results before recommending anything.

Does a bone graft hurt?

The area is fully numbed during grafting, and many patients choose laughing gas or IV sedation as well. Afterward, most people describe soreness similar to an extraction. In Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria gives you written aftercare instructions before you leave, and she calls you herself after surgery to see how you're healing.

How long after a bone graft can I get an implant?

It depends on the graft. Minor grafting can sometimes be done the same day as the implant, while a larger graft may need several months to mature. At your consult in Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria reviews your scan and gives you a timeline for your mouth, including a temporary tooth plan so you aren't left with a visible gap.

What is a bone graft made of?

Graft material can come from your own jaw, a donor, an animal source or a synthetic substitute. Each acts as a framework your body slowly replaces with new bone. Dr. Okhiria explains which option she recommends for your site at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, and why it suits your case.

I was told I'm not a candidate for implants. Is that final?

Not necessarily. Low bone volume is one of the most common reasons, and grafting, sinus lifts or a different implant plan can often change the answer. A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Atlanta can look at your 3D scan and tell you what's realistic. Dr. Okhiria will be honest either way.

Seeing Your Own Scan

The fastest way to know whether you need a graft is to see your own jawbone. At a consult in Buckhead, Dr. Okhiria takes a 3D scan, shows you exactly what she sees and lays out a plan for your implant. Call (470) 944-1881 or book a time online . You can also read more about dental implants in Atlanta .

Is IV Sedation Safe for Oral Surgery? An Atlanta Surgeon Explains

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:20:31 GMT

If the thought of being sedated worries you more than the surgery itself, you're in good company. In Atlanta, IV sedation for oral surgery is given by trained surgeons every day, and for healthy patients it's a well-established way to get through a procedure calmly. Whether it's right for you depends on your health, your procedure and a careful review beforehand, and that review is where Dr. Jennifer Okhiria starts.

Understanding What IV Sedation Is

IV sedation is medicine given through a small line in your arm that makes you deeply relaxed and drowsy. It is not general anesthesia. "You're breathing on your own and you're arousable," Dr. Okhiria explains. Most patients drift through the procedure and remember very little of it afterward. Mayo Clinic describes sedation anesthesia the same way: you're relaxed and sleepy, and you have limited memory of the procedure. General anesthesia, by contrast, puts you fully asleep with a breathing tube and is usually done in a hospital. So how do you know which one fits you?

Sedation Versus General Anesthesia

With IV sedation you keep breathing on your own and your team can talk with you if needed, and recovery is usually quicker than recovery from general anesthesia. For wisdom teeth, extractions and implants, IV sedation is often enough. When it isn't, Dr. Okhiria will say so and plan accordingly.

The Way It Feels

Most people remember the IV going in, a warm, heavy feeling, and then waking up with the procedure finished. You won't feel the surgery itself because the area is also numbed with local anesthesia. Many patients describe the whole visit as shorter than they expected, which is the point.

Patients Who Need Another Plan

"I don't take risk," Dr. Okhiria says. "If I feel like something is risky, I'm not going to do it." Some medical conditions make in-office sedation a poor choice. In those cases she arranges for an anesthesiologist or moves the procedure to a hospital, where she holds privileges.

Keeping Sedation Safe

Safety is a system, not a promise. "It's not about what happens when things go right," Dr. Okhiria says. "It's more about what happens when things go wrong." Her team runs emergency drills every quarter and checks equipment and medications on a weekly and monthly schedule. That lines up with the direction of the ADA's updated sedation guidelines , which emphasize emergency preparedness and regular training drills. Before any sedation, you'll review your medical history, medications and allergies at the consult. The ADA's MouthHealthy guidance says the same: your health, allergies and anxiety all shape the right choice. You'll also get written instructions about eating beforehand and having someone drive you home.

Sedation at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite

Dr. Okhiria is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, trained in a hospital setting that included general surgery. By her own estimate she has done thousands of sedation cases. "A good preclinical workup and consultation is absolutely vital before we just put anybody to sleep," she says, and every sedation patient has that consult first. You'll choose between local anesthesia, laughing gas, oral sedation and IV sedation based on your health and the procedure, not a default. After surgery, she calls you herself to check in. If sedation is the thing standing between you and treatment you need, a conversation is a good first step.

Common Questions About IV Sedation in Atlanta

These are the questions Atlanta patients ask most often before sedation for oral surgery.

Is IV sedation safe for oral surgery?

For healthy patients who are properly screened, IV sedation is a well-established option given by trained oral surgeons. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria reviews your health history first, monitors you throughout, and her team drills emergency protocols every quarter. If sedation isn't right for you, she'll recommend another plan.

What's the difference between IV sedation and general anesthesia?

With IV sedation you're deeply relaxed, breathing on your own and can respond if spoken to. General anesthesia puts you fully asleep, usually with a breathing tube, and is typically done in a hospital. For most wisdom teeth and implant procedures in Atlanta, IV sedation is enough, and Dr. Okhiria will explain which fits you.

Will I remember anything with IV sedation?

Most patients remember very little. Many recall the IV being placed and then waking up after the procedure is done. The surgical area is numbed as well, so you won't feel the work itself. Before your surgery day in Atlanta, our team explains what to expect afterward so there are no surprises.

Can I drive myself home after IV sedation?

No. You'll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Sedation medicine takes time to wear off, even when you feel alert. Before your surgery in Atlanta, our team gives you written instructions about eating, medications and arranging your ride so the day goes smoothly.

What if I'm not a candidate for IV sedation?

You still have options. Dr. Okhiria can use local anesthesia with laughing gas or oral sedation, bring in an anesthesiologist, or perform the procedure in a hospital where she has privileges. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, the plan is built around your health instead of a single approach for everyone.

Starting With a Conversation

You don't have to decide anything before you understand it. At a consult in Buckhead, Dr. Okhiria will review your health, explain each sedation option and tell you which one she'd recommend for your procedure. Call (470) 944-1881 or book a time online . You can read more about IV sedation in Atlanta before you come in.

Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out If They Don't Hurt? An Atlanta Guide

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:20:31 GMT

If your wisdom teeth don't hurt, it's fair to wonder why anyone would take them out. In Atlanta, the honest answer from a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is that pain is a late signal. Many wisdom teeth cause trouble below the gumline long before they ache, and removing them while you're young and healthy usually means an easier surgery and an easier recovery.

The Trouble With "They Don't Bother Me"

Most of us grew up hearing that if a tooth doesn't hurt, you leave it alone. Dr. Jennifer Okhiria hears it every week. "By the time it bothers the patients, it's typically too late," she says. What she means is that the damage she worries about happens where you can't feel it: against the roots of your back molars, inside the jawbone, or under a flap of gum that traps food. A wisdom tooth that's stuck below the surface or growing at an angle is called impacted, and it can push on the teeth in front of it or hold a pocket of bacteria. Mayo Clinic lists decay in partly erupted wisdom teeth, damage to nearby teeth or bone, gum disease and cysts among the reasons they come out. So what should you actually watch for?

Problems That Don't Announce Themselves

A wisdom tooth can decay, crowd the tooth beside it or start a cyst in the jaw without any pain at all. You might notice a bad taste, gums that bleed when you brush far back, or food that always catches in the same spot. Often you notice nothing, which is why a 3D scan tells you far more than how your mouth feels today.

Timing and Age

"It's easier to do it when you're young and healthy," Dr. Okhiria says. In the late teens and early twenties the roots are shorter and the bone is more forgiving, so surgery tends to be simpler and healing faster. Mayo Clinic notes that many dental professionals recommend removal at that age for the same reason. If you're past it, you're not out of options: the plan simply starts with a closer look.

One Visit Instead of Four

Dr. Okhiria usually recommends taking all four out at once when they all need to go. "One at a time" sounds gentler, but it means more visits, more sedation appointments and more rounds of healing. One surgery and one recovery is easier on most people's schedules, and on their nerves.

Watching and Waiting, When It Fits

Not every wisdom tooth has to come out. Some grow in straight, meet the opposing tooth, and can be cleaned well. Dental professionals don't all agree on removing problem-free wisdom teeth, and Dr. Okhiria will tell you clearly if yours look fine to leave for now. In that case, you'll get a recheck plan instead of a surgery date, because the point of the consult is a clear answer about your teeth, not a default.

Wisdom Teeth Care at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite

Dr. Okhiria is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and wisdom teeth are a big part of her week. "We are what we repeatedly do," she likes to say. Your consult starts with a CBCT scan, a 3D image of your jaw that shows exactly where each tooth and nerve sits, and she walks you through it on a big screen before anything is decided. On surgery day you choose local anesthesia, laughing gas or IV sedation, based on your health and the procedure. Afterward, you leave with written instructions, and she makes the follow-up call herself. The office is on the eighth floor at 1800 Peachtree Road in Buckhead. If you've been told your wisdom teeth "should probably come out someday," a consult tells you whether someday is now.

Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal in Atlanta

These are the questions Atlanta patients and parents ask us most often before a wisdom teeth consult.

Do wisdom teeth need to come out if they don't hurt?

Not always, but pain isn't a reliable signal. Impacted wisdom teeth can decay, crowd nearby molars or form cysts without hurting. At The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria uses a 3D scan to see what's happening below the gums, then tells you whether removal or monitoring makes more sense for you.

What is the best age to have wisdom teeth removed?

Many dental professionals recommend removal in the late teens or early twenties, when roots are shorter and healing tends to be quicker. Adults can still have them removed with careful planning. In Atlanta, Dr. Okhiria looks at your scan, health history and the angle of each tooth before recommending the timing that fits you.

Should all four wisdom teeth be removed at the same time?

When all four need to come out, Dr. Okhiria usually recommends one visit. Removing them one at a time means more appointments, more sedation and more rounds of healing. If only one or two are causing trouble, she'll explain whether the others can safely stay, so Atlanta patients get a plan based on their own teeth.

Will I be asleep for wisdom teeth surgery?

You can choose. Options at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta include local anesthesia, laughing gas, oral sedation and IV sedation. With IV sedation, most patients feel relaxed and remember very little. Dr. Okhiria reviews your health history at the consult first, because sedation is only offered in the office when it's appropriate for you.

Why was I referred to an oral surgeon for my wisdom teeth?

General dentists often refer wisdom teeth to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when teeth are impacted, close to a nerve, or when sedation would help. Dr. Okhiria trained in a hospital setting for this kind of surgery. She'll send your Atlanta dentist a clear report afterward so your regular care continues without a gap.

A Straight Answer About Your Wisdom Teeth

If your wisdom teeth feel fine but you've been told to "keep an eye on them," a consult in Buckhead gives you a real answer. Dr. Okhiria will show you your scan, explain what she sees and tell you whether surgery makes sense now or later. Call (470) 944-1881 or book a time online . You can also read more about wisdom teeth removal in Atlanta .

How to Choose an Oral Surgeon in Atlanta: Five Things Worth Asking

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:00:09 GMT

Being told you need oral surgery can leave you with more questions than answers, and choosing who performs it deserves the same care as the surgery itself. In Atlanta you have plenty of options, so it helps to know what to look for. These five questions work for any surgeon you meet, and we have answered them for our own practice in the spirit of showing our work.

1. What Is Their Training?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete dental school and then a hospital-based surgical residency. Ask whether your surgeon is board certified, and by which board. Dr. Jennifer Okhiria is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She completed her residency at Brookdale Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn and still takes facial trauma call at a hospital a few weeks a year.

2. Will You See Your Own Scan?

A surgeon who plans from a 3D image can see the bone, the nerves and the sinuses before picking up an instrument. Ask whether the scan is done in the office and whether the surgeon reviews it with you. At our practice, a CBCT scan is taken on site and Dr. Okhiria goes through it with you on a big screen, so the plan makes sense before you agree to it.

3. Who Handles Sedation?

If you are nervous, sedation matters as much as the procedure. Ask which options are offered, who gives them and how the team prepares for emergencies. We offer local anesthesia, laughing gas, oral sedation and IV sedation, chosen around your health and the procedure, and the team runs emergency drills with Dr. Okhiria every quarter.

4. Will You Feel Pressured?

A good consult leaves you with information, not a deadline. A surgeon should be willing to tell you when surgery is not the right answer, or when your own dentist can handle what you need. Dr. Okhiria does exactly that, and sends you back to your general dentist with a clear report.

5. Who Follows Up With You?

It is a small question that tells you a lot. Ask who calls to check on you after surgery and how to reach the office if something worries you. At our practice, Dr. Okhiria makes her own follow-up calls.

Common Questions About Choosing an Oral Surgeon

What is the difference between an oral surgeon and a general dentist?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon has completed a hospital-based surgical residency after dental school and focuses on procedures like wisdom teeth, implants and biopsies. General dentists handle cleanings, fillings, crowns and similar care, and often refer surgery to a specialist.

Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon?

Most patients come to The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite with a referral from their dentist, but you are welcome without one. If what you need belongs with your general dentist, we will tell you.

Should I get a second opinion?

You are always free to. A good surgeon welcomes questions and explains the reasoning behind a plan, and bringing your scans and notes to another consult can make you more confident in your decision.

What should I bring to a first consult?

Bring your medication list, your insurance card and any recent X-rays from your dentist. Intake forms are electronic, so you can complete them before you arrive.

Start With a Conversation

If you are comparing surgeons, we would be glad to be one of the conversations. Book a time online , or read more about our services and what happens at your first visit .

Recovering From Oral Surgery: A Gentle Aftercare Guide for the First Week

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:00:09 GMT

The days after oral surgery are easier when you know what to expect, and most of the worry comes from not knowing. Soreness, a little swelling and a diet of soft foods are all normal for a few days. This guide covers the basics so you can rest without second-guessing yourself, and Dr. Jennifer Okhiria's written instructions, which you receive before you leave The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite, always come first for your own case.

The First Day

Plan to rest. Gauze over the area helps with the little bleeding that is normal at first, and a cold pack held against your cheek, with breaks, helps keep swelling down. Keeping your head raised on an extra pillow when you lie down is often more comfortable. If you had sedation, an adult needs to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

Protecting the Healing Site

After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket and protects it while it heals. Mayo Clinic explains that losing that clot early, for example by sucking through a straw, can leave the bone exposed and painful. That is why we ask you to skip straws, spitting hard and poking at the area with your tongue or fingers.

Eating and Drinking

For wisdom teeth, plan on a soft diet for five to seven days. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and smoothies eaten with a spoon are easy choices. Hot, spicy and crunchy foods can bother the area, so they can wait. Keep drinking water throughout the day, and add firmer foods back gradually as chewing feels comfortable.

Keeping Your Mouth Clean

A clean mouth heals better, and you can keep it clean gently. Your written instructions tell you when to begin rinsing and how, and for most patients that starts the day after surgery. Until then, leave the surgical area alone when you brush the rest of your teeth.

What Healing Looks Like

Most people are back at school or work within a few days, and wisdom tooth sockets heal over about one to two weeks. Some tenderness along the way is expected. After surgery, Dr. Okhiria calls to check on you herself, which is also a good moment to ask anything you have been wondering.

When to Call Us

Call the office if bleeding does not slow down, if pain is getting worse instead of better, if you develop a fever, or if something simply does not feel right to you. You never need to wait for a scheduled check-in to ask. For a facial injury or an emergency, go to an emergency room.

Common Questions About Recovering From Oral Surgery

How long will I be on soft foods?

For wisdom teeth, plan on five to seven days. Dr. Okhiria tailors the guidance to your procedure at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite, and your written instructions say when to move on to firmer foods.

When can I go back to work or school?

Most patients return within a few days after wisdom teeth surgery, and the sockets heal over about one to two weeks. If you had sedation, give yourself the rest of the day to recover.

Why should I avoid straws?

Sucking can loosen the blood clot that protects an extraction site, and a missing clot can make healing painful. Drinking from a cup keeps the clot where it belongs.

Will someone check on me after surgery?

Yes. Dr. Okhiria calls her patients herself after surgery, and the office is available if questions come up before or after that call.

Heal With Support

If you are preparing for surgery and want to talk through recovery first, book a time online . You can also read about wisdom teeth and extractions before your visit.

All-on-4 Dental Implants in Atlanta: What to Expect From Start to Finish

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:00:08 GMT

If you have spent years repairing one failing tooth after another, or a loose denture keeps you from eating what you love, a long-term answer can feel out of reach. All-on-4 is one way people in Atlanta get there: a full arch of teeth held in place by four or more dental implants. Dr. Jennifer Okhiria walks every patient through what the process involves before anything is decided, and this guide gives you the same overview ahead of your consult.

How All-on-4 Works

A dental implant is a small titanium post that takes the place of a tooth root. Mayo Clinic explains that the bone grows around the implant over time, which is what makes it such a steady base for teeth. With All-on-4, four or more implants are placed in one arch, upper or lower, and they hold a fixed bridge that does not come out at night and does not slide when you eat.

Who It Helps

The patient Dr. Okhiria has in mind is often someone who has been in and out of dental offices for years and wants a lasting solution, or someone whose denture keeps them from eating the foods they enjoy. People who have worn a denture for decades sometimes do not have enough bone left, and the 3D scan is how you find out.

Not Everyone Needs the Same Plan

If you already have a snap-on denture held by two implants, it can sometimes be turned into a fixed bridge by adding implants. Dr. Okhiria will tell you at your consult whether your existing implants can be used.

Your Surgery Day

You begin with a scan. A CBCT image shows the bone, nerves and sinuses in three dimensions, and Dr. Okhiria goes through it with you on a large screen so the plan makes sense before you agree to it. Most patients choose IV sedation for the surgery itself. She removes any teeth that remain in that arch, places the implants using a surgical guide, and attaches a temporary fixed bridge, so you go home the same day with teeth and with someone to drive you.

The Final Bridge Comes Later

All-on-4 is not a single appointment, and Dr. Okhiria is careful never to describe it that way. The bone needs months to heal around the implants. The final bridge is made after that, usually around six months later. Dr. Okhiria does most full-arch cases from start to finish, and some patients prefer to have their general dentist make the final bridge, in which case the two offices plan the case together from the first scan.

Caring for Your New Teeth

Brushing, flossing and regular checkups matter as much with a fixed bridge as with natural teeth. Dr. Okhiria sends you home with written instructions for the first days, and she calls to check on you herself.

Common Questions About All-on-4 in Atlanta

Do I leave with teeth on surgery day?

Yes. On surgery day you receive your implants and a temporary fixed bridge. The final bridge is made after the bone has healed, usually around six months later, so Dr. Okhiria explains both stages at your Atlanta consult.

Will I be asleep for the surgery?

Most patients choose IV sedation, which leaves you deeply relaxed and with little memory of the procedure. Dr. Okhiria reviews your health at the consult to confirm it is right for you, and you will need an adult to drive you home.

Can my snap-on denture become a fixed bridge?

Sometimes, by adding implants to the ones you already have. Dr. Okhiria checks your scan and your current implants at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite and tells you honestly whether they can be used.

Who makes the final teeth?

Dr. Okhiria does most full-arch cases from start to finish, though some patients prefer their own dentist for the final bridge. Either way, you will know who is doing what before you begin.

Seeing Your Own Scan

The clearest way to know whether All-on-4 fits you is to see your own jawbone. At a consult in Buckhead, Dr. Okhiria will show you your scan and talk through your options without pressure. Book a time online . You can also read more about All-on-4 and full-arch implants .