What is Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field of dentistry that extends beyond routine care. It addresses complex issues involving the teeth, gums, jaws, and facial structures. At Facial Designs, P.A., our focus is on restoring health, comfort, and confidence for patients who need advanced care.

Common procedures include:

• Wisdom teeth removal – treating or preventing pain and infection.
• Tooth extractions – removing severely damaged or decayed teeth.
• Dental implants & full arch restorations (All-on-X) – permanent solutions for missing teeth.
• Bone grafting – rebuilding bone structure for long-term oral health.
• Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) – correcting jaw alignment and function.
• Exposure of impacted teeth – helping teeth erupt properly.
• Treatment of oral pathology & TMJ disorders – addressing pain, function, and disease.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Your choice of surgeon directly impacts your treatment plan and outcomes. Not all surgeons have the same qualifications.

Dr. Roderick VanSurksum is a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with six years of experience as a general dentist before pursuing surgical training. His unique background enables him to communicate effectively with your general dentist, ensuring strong collaboration in your care as a patient and your treatment.

Board certification is the highest credential in the specialty, confirming rigorous training, testing, and proven experience. For patients, it means confidence in safe, precise, and effective care.

A Category 1 Anesthesiology Facility – Patient Safety First

Surgery can make patients feel anxious. At Facial Designs, your comfort and safety are our top priority. Our practice is one of only two oral surgery facilities in Minnesota certified as a Category 1 anesthesia facility.

As a result, Facial Designs is equipped to provide the highest level of anesthesia care, from local anesthesia to IV sedation and general anesthesia, with hospital-level safety standards. Patients can undergo treatment in a comfortable setting, knowing that our team is prepared for every level of anesthesia care.

It’s one of the many reasons local dentists trust Facial Designs with their patients.

Benefits of Oral Surgery at Facial Designs

Choosing surgery isn’t just about fixing a dental issue—it’s about improving your health and quality of life. Benefits include:

• Better health: Eliminating infection and improving oral function.
• Enhanced aesthetics: Restoring a natural, confident smile.
• Improved function: Chewing, speaking, and smiling without limitation.
• Relief from pain: Addressing broken teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or TMJ disorders.
• Prevention: Taking action today to avoid bigger problems tomorrow.

What to Expect: Before, During, and After Oral Surgery

Preparing for Surgery

• Discuss anesthesia options with Dr. VanSurksum.
• Arrange for transportation if sedation is used.
• Follow pre-op instructions, including eating and drinking guidelines.

During Surgery

• Most procedures are performed in our Category 1 facility, which is located on-site.
• Anesthesia ensures a comfortable and pain-free experience.
• Procedures range from simple extractions to complex jaw surgery.

Recovery & Healing

• Most patients experience significant improvement within 2 to 3 days.
• Soft tissue generally heals within 1 month, while bone may take several months.
• We provide detailed post-op instructions to minimize risks such as dry socket or infection.

Why Dentists Refer to Facial Designs

Across Minnesota, general dentists trust Facial Designs to deliver safe, advanced, and compassionate care to their patients.

• Collaboration: Dr. VanSurksum’s background as a general dentist ensures seamless communication and treatment coordination.
• Advanced Credentials: Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon works in a Category 1 anesthesia facility. This demonstrates our commitment to high standards in training, safety, and surgical quality.
• Comprehensive Expertise: From routine wisdom teeth removal to complex jaw surgery, patients receive complete care in one trusted location.

Why Patients Choose Facial Designs

At Facial Designs, we provide more than just regular oral surgery care. We offer benefits that make your treatment faster, safer, and more comfortable.

• Immediate Temporary Crowns: After dental implants, we often give you a temporary crown. This way, you leave surgery with a natural-looking tooth while your implant heals.
• Faster Access to Care: Many practices are booked months out. We can often schedule patients within two weeks—helping you get relief and results sooner.
• Advanced Healing with Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): For wisdom teeth removal and extractions, we use PRF therapy. This therapy uses your body’s own biology to:
  • Dramatically lowers the risk of dry socket.
  • Shorten recovery time.
  • Accelerate the healing process and make it more comfortable.

Our skilled team and Category 1 anesthesia facility provide special benefits. This earns the trust of dentists in Minnetonka, Excelsior, Hopkins, and the nearby Twin Cities area. This is also why many people choose Facial Designs for life-changing results.

Final Thought

As Dr. VanSurksum is known to say, “We want to give you back your confidence. We want to give you hope. We want to give you back your life by giving you back your smile.”

Oral surgery may feel intimidating, but with the right team, it can be a safe, comfortable, and transformative experience. At Facial Designs, P.A., we combine advanced oral surgical expertise with compassionate care, enabling patients to regain the confidence to smile, eat, and live fully again.