Finding a qualified oral surgeon in Utah takes more than a quick online search. Whether you need wisdom teeth removed, dental implants placed, corrective jaw surgery, or treatment for facial trauma, the right oral and maxillofacial surgeon can make a significant difference in your outcome, recovery, and overall experience. This guide walks Utah patients through what to look for, what to expect, and why West Valley OMS is a trusted choice for patients across the Salt Lake Valley and beyond.

What Does an Oral Surgeon in Utah Do?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is a dental specialist with extensive training beyond general dentistry — typically four to six additional years of hospital-based surgical residency. In Utah, board-certified oral surgeons are trained to handle the full spectrum of conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck, including:

• Wisdom teeth removal — surgical extraction of impacted or problematic third molars
• Dental implants — permanent tooth replacement anchored directly into the jawbone
• Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) — repositioning the upper or lower jaw to correct bite, breathing, and alignment issues
• Facial trauma treatment — repair of fractures, lacerations, and other injuries to the face and jaw
• Oral pathology — diagnosis and treatment of lesions, cysts, and other oral tissue conditions
• Bone grafting — rebuilding jaw volume to support implants or restore structure after tooth loss
• Tooth extractions — including complex surgical extractions that go beyond what a general dentist can safely perform

If your dentist has referred you to an OMS, it means your case requires this higher level of surgical expertise.

How to Choose an Oral Surgeon in Utah

Utah has many oral surgery practices, but not all offer the same level of training, technology, or patient care. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing a provider:

1. Board Certification and Fellowship Training

Look for a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Board certification confirms that your surgeon has completed accredited residency training and passed rigorous national examinations. At West Valley OMS, our surgeons are board-certified and have completed advanced fellowship training, bringing subspecialty expertise to the West Valley and broader Salt Lake Valley area.

2. Advanced Imaging Technology

Modern oral surgery relies on precise pre-surgical imaging. Practices that invest in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT or 3D X-ray) can plan surgeries with far greater accuracy than those relying on traditional 2D imaging alone. This matters most for dental implant placement, jaw surgery planning, and wisdom teeth removal near critical nerve structures. West Valley OMS uses in-office 3D imaging to give every patient a detailed surgical plan before any procedure begins.

3. Experience With Your Specific Procedure

An oral surgeon who places hundreds of dental implants per year will have sharper technique than one who performs the procedure occasionally. Ask how frequently your surgeon performs the specific procedure you need, and whether they handle complex cases (multiple implants, bone grafting, full-arch restoration). Volume and case complexity both matter.

4. Hospital Privileges and Anesthesia Options

Some oral surgeries require general anesthesia or IV sedation. Make sure your surgeon is licensed to administer anesthesia in-office and holds hospital privileges if your case is complex. Utah patients often prefer the convenience of in-office sedation — West Valley OMS offers multiple sedation options so patients can be as comfortable as possible throughout their procedure.

5. Insurance and Financing

Oral surgery costs vary widely depending on the procedure, complexity, and anesthesia used. A reputable practice will walk you through your insurance coverage before your procedure and offer financing options for costs not covered by your plan. West Valley OMS works with most major dental and medical insurance plans and offers financing through CareCredit and Proceed Finance for patients who need payment flexibility.

Serving Utah Patients Across the Salt Lake Valley

West Valley OMS is conveniently located in West Valley City, UT, making us an accessible option for patients throughout the region. We regularly treat patients from communities across the Salt Lake Valley, including:

• Murray, UT — a short drive east on I-215; our Murray oral surgery patients frequently visit for implants and wisdom teeth removal
• South Jordan, UT — approximately 20 minutes south via Bangerter Highway
• Taylorsville, UT — just minutes away; see our dedicated jaw surgery guide for Taylorsville patients
• West Jordan, UT — neighboring community with strong patient volume; we’ve served West Jordan oral surgery patients for years
• Herriman, UT — about 25 minutes southwest, accessible via Bangerter Highway
• Riverton, UT — approximately 20 minutes via UT-154 (Bangerter Highway)

Patients from across the Wasatch Front — including Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, and beyond — choose West Valley OMS because of our board-certified team, cutting-edge imaging, and patient-first approach to oral surgery care.

Common Reasons Utah Patients See an Oral Surgeon

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the most common reason patients in Utah are referred to an oral surgeon. When wisdom teeth are impacted — meaning they can’t fully erupt because of space limitations — they can cause pain, infection, crowding, and damage to neighboring teeth. Surgical removal is typically recommended in the late teens or early twenties, before the roots are fully formed and healing is faster.

Dental Implants

For patients missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer the most durable and natural-feeling replacement available. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants integrate directly with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. An oral surgeon handles the surgical phase — placing the titanium implant post — while a restorative dentist later attaches the final crown. If you’re considering implants, explore our detailed dental implants guide for West Valley patients or review what dental implants cost in the West Valley City area.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery — also called corrective jaw surgery — addresses skeletal discrepancies that affect how the upper and lower jaws fit together. Patients who benefit from this procedure often have difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw misalignment that orthodontic treatment alone cannot fix. Recovery typically takes several weeks, and results are life-changing for the right candidate. Learn more in our guide to orthognathic surgery at West Valley OMS.

Finding the Right OMS Near You in Utah

If you’ve searched for an “oral surgeon near me” in Utah and aren’t sure where to start, the most important step is to schedule a consultation. A reputable oral surgeon will review your records, take necessary imaging, explain your options clearly, and give you a treatment timeline — all before asking you to commit to anything. West Valley OMS offers consultations for new patients and accepts referrals from general dentists throughout the Salt Lake Valley. You can also read our full guide on how to find the right oral surgeon near you.

Why Patients Choose West Valley OMS

West Valley OMS has built a reputation as one of the most trusted oral surgery practices in the Salt Lake Valley. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with fellowship-level subspecialty training
• In-office 3D CBCT imaging for precise surgical planning
• Full range of OMS services — from wisdom teeth and implants to jaw surgery and oral pathology
• Multiple anesthesia options including IV sedation and general anesthesia
• Spanish-language support for our bilingual patient community
• In-network with most major dental and medical insurance plans
• Convenient West Valley City location serving the entire Salt Lake Valley

Schedule a Consultation With a Utah Oral Surgeon

If you’ve been referred by your dentist, or if you’re experiencing jaw pain, tooth loss, impacted wisdom teeth, or another condition that may require surgery, West Valley OMS is here to help. Our team treats every patient as an individual — taking the time to explain your diagnosis, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan that fits your specific needs and goals.

West Valley OMS
West Valley City, UT 84120
Serving Murray, South Jordan, West Jordan, Taylorsville, Herriman, Riverton, and the greater Salt Lake Valley

Contact us today to request a consultation or learn more about our oral surgery services. Our team is accepting new patients and dental referrals.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Individual results vary. Please consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss your specific condition and treatment options.