Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
The Best Team In Town
Using The Newest Technologies
Need your wisdom teeth removed? Facing a complex tooth extraction? Or simply exploring your surgical options? Whatever brings you here, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon provides the expertise and compassionate care you need for a safe, comfortable experience; proudly serving patients from Excelsior, Minnetonka, Minneapolis, the Twin Cities, and surrounding Minnesota communities.
Reasons for Oral Surgery
Every smile deserves expert care. At Facial Designs, P.A., our board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Roderick VanSurksum, combines advanced dentistry with compassionate care to help you look and feel your best, welcoming patients from across Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities metro area.
We’re proud to be a Category 1 Anesthesia Facility, meaning your comfort and safety are always our top priorities. Our advanced surgical techniques enable us to complete even the most complex procedures right here in our Minnetonka and Excelsior offices, saving you time, stress, and the need for additional appointments.
It’s why general dentists across Minnesota confidently refer their patients to us, knowing they will receive seamless, coordinated care from a trusted team. Whether it’s impacted wisdom teeth, missing teeth, or jaw concerns, we provide exceptional results for patients.
Common Reasons Patients Need Oral Surgery:
Problematic Wisdom Teeth
Commonly known as “wisdom teeth,” third molars typically emerge in the late teens or early 20s and often cause a range of oral health issues. Nearly 90% of people experience at least one impacted wisdom tooth, meaning there isn’t enough space for it to erupt properly. Because of their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, making them more susceptible to decay, infection, gum disease, pain, and even cyst or tumor formation. They can also shift neighboring teeth out of alignment.
Since wisdom teeth often sit close to nerves, sinus cavities, and adjacent teeth, it’s essential to have them removed by an experienced professional. At Facial Designs, P.A., our board-certified oral surgeon in the Twin Cities specialize in safe, precise wisdom tooth extractions, using advanced techniques to ensure your comfort, safety, and a smooth recovery.
Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are teeth that fail to erupt through the gums fully. Impacted teeth can happen with stubborn baby teeth, wisdom teeth, or even permanent adult teeth. Common causes include overcrowding, extra teeth, or obstructive growths that block proper eruption.
Impacted teeth can lead to pain, misalignment, and difficulty eating, sometimes as early as childhood. In other cases, the issue may go unnoticed until it’s revealed on an X-ray.
Treatment depends on the tooth and its position. Our team may collaborate with your orthodontist to gently guide the tooth into place—or, in the case of wisdom teeth, recommend extraction to prevent future complications.
Missing Teeth
Missing teeth don’t just affect how you eat, speak, or smile; they can also impact your long-term oral health. Teeth rely on each other for stability, so when one is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift out of place, often leading to bite issues or the need for orthodontic treatment. In addition, without tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone, bone loss begins, causing the face to appear sunken or prematurely aged.
Dental implants, the “gold standard” for tooth replacement, help prevent these complications. By replacing missing teeth with dental implants, you restore natural function and esthetics while preserving your jawbone health. You can enjoy your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile confidently. For patients in Minnesota, our board-certified oral surgeon specializes in full arch dental implant solutions designed to look, feel, and perform like real teeth. Even if bone loss has already occurred, we can rebuild your foundation through advanced bone grafting techniques before placing your implants.
Broken & Infected Teeth
Broken or infected teeth can result from trauma, decay, or bacterial buildup caused by poor dental hygiene. In some cases, repairs or medication can save the tooth, but when damage is too severe, a tooth extraction may be the best option to protect your oral health. Our oral surgeon carefully evaluates every situation to determine the most effective treatment plan for your unique needs.
The extraction process is typically straightforward. After ensuring your comfort with anesthesia, our surgeons gently remove the tooth from its socket. Most extracted teeth, except for wisdom teeth, require replacement to maintain proper function, appearance, and jawbone health. For a natural-looking, long-lasting solution, dental implants offer the best results in restoring both function and esthetics.
Dental Implants
At Facial Designs, P.A., we’re here to help you find relief and enjoyment in your daily life again. We have an experienced and top-notch team of dental specialists able to provide a full spectrum of services–from single tooth removal and immediate implant replacement, to full-arch fixed dental implants. And we offer it all under one roof for your convenience, minimizing the number of consults so we don’t disrupt your life. Our supportive, expert staff will help you choose options to suit your financial situation. Imagine walking into our office with broken teeth and, a few hours later, walking out with a brand-new smile that looks natural and feels amazing. You are absolutely worth it! Come see us, and we’ll find your solution together.
Jaw Misalignment and Facial Asymmetry
Jaw misalignment occurs when your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly as you bite down, leading to a range of issues, from headaches and facial pain to jaw strain and even ringing in the ears. In more severe cases, misalignment can interfere with essential functions like eating, speaking, breathing, and sleeping. It can also affect your appearance, creating facial asymmetry that impacts your confidence.
At Facial Designs, P.A., Dr. VanSurksum specializes in diagnosing and treating jaw misalignment and facial imbalance. Orthodontics or custom mouthguards can often manage mild cases, but advanced conditions typically require surgical correction. Using advanced technology and proven surgical techniques, we restore balance, function, and symmetry, helping you enjoy a more comfortable, confident, and healthy life.
Bone Loss or Need for Bone Grafting
Your jawbone depends on the stimulation of tooth roots and the natural motion of chewing to stay strong and healthy. When teeth are lost and not replaced, the stimulation disappears, causing the jawbone to weaken and deteriorate over time. This bone loss can trigger a domino effect of additional tooth loss, facial collapse, and a prematurely aged appearance.
At Facial Designs, P.A., our oral surgeon specializes in treating even the most advanced cases of bone loss. Using today’s most advanced techniques, we help patients restore both their smile and confidence through personalized implant solutions. Beyond traditional single and full mouth dental implants supported by bone grafting, we also offer zygomatic dental implants. These implants are anchored into dense facial bone above the jaw, providing a secure and lasting foundation for patients who have experienced significant bone loss, and a second chance at a full, confident smile.
Oral Pathology
Oral cancer is a dangerous disease that affects thousands of people every year. If not identified and treated promptly and effectively, the results can be deadly. Oral pathology is the diagnosis and treatment of mouth diseases, including oral cancer, tumors, cysts, and lesions.
Dr. Rod VanSurksum offers prompt oral pathology screenings and biopsies in Excelsior & Minnetonka, MN to help detect and treat concerns before they progress. One of our primary concerns is the diagnosis of oral cancer, which, on average, can affect an upwards of 53,000 Americans. At Facial Designs P.A., we leverage our expertise and advanced technology to deliver comprehensive oral cancer treatment.
Emergency Oral and Facial Trauma
We know how tense and frightening a dental emergency can be. Be assured, we treat all emergency cases with an appropriate sense of urgency. Whenever feasible, we’ll see you the same day. An oral surgeon can treat many emergency conditions that you might think require a trip to the emergency room. Dr. VanSurksum has completed 4 years of advanced training beyond dental school, including medical training in jaw treatments, dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, and anesthesia. We’re here to provide effective, timely treatment for even the most complex emergency dentistry in Minnesota.
Our Oral & Maxillofacial Services
Exposure of
Impacted Teeth
Adjunctive Services
Expert Oral Surgery, Seamless Care, Exceptional Results
We offer a full spectrum of specialized dental health solutions under a single roof. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. VanSurksum, and our prosthodontist, Dr. Clark-Gold, provide patients with flexibility in caring for their dental health in a timely, cost-effective manner that suits their lifestyle and financial realities.
All Your Oral Surgery Questions Answered
Q&A
What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a highly trained specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions of the mouth, teeth, jaw, and face. These surgeons complete four years of dental school, followed by an additional four to six years of surgical residency. They are experts in procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery, bone grafting, facial trauma care, and more. Their advanced training ensures safe, precise treatment with predictable results.
When should I see an oral surgeon instead of my dentist?
You should see an oral surgeon when your condition requires specialized surgical expertise. Common reasons include impacted or painful wisdom teeth, missing teeth that require dental implants, severe tooth infections, jaw pain or misalignment, facial injuries, or complex extractions. Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for advanced procedures, or you can schedule a consultation directly if you’re experiencing symptoms that go beyond routine dental care.
Is oral surgery painful?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable their procedure is. Modern techniques, advanced technology, and customizable anesthesia options help ensure a pain-free experience. During the surgery, you should feel no pain, just pressure. Afterward, some swelling and mild discomfort are normal and typically manageable with medication, ice, and rest. Our oral surgeon in the Twin Cities will provide a personalized recovery plan to keep you as comfortable as possible.
How long does recovery take after oral surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure and your overall health. Many patients return to normal activities within a few days after simple procedures like tooth extractions. More complex surgeries, such as dental implants or corrective jaw surgery, may require a longer healing period. Following your post-operative instructions closely, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments all help promote a smooth and speedy recovery.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
In most cases, no referral is required. You can schedule a consultation directly with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, whether you’ve been referred by your dentist or simply need expert care for a specific concern. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage purposes. Our team is happy to verify benefits and guide you through the scheduling process.
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Solving your Oral and Maxillofacial
Challenges Starts Here
At Facial Designs, P.A., we’re committed to providing expert oral and maxillofacial care that relieves pain and restores function. From advanced surgical solutions to same-day restorative treatments, we streamline the process to reduce delays and stress. Our team works closely with you to find the best path forward, clinically and financially, removing barriers so you can move ahead with confidence and peace of mind.