Oral Surgery
Dr. Dustin J. Hopkin is an expert oral surgeon who provides his patients with the highest quality care. Whether you need a simple wisdom tooth extraction or more complex oral and maxillofacial surgery to repair oral trauma, he can help.
Learn more about how the team at Hopkin Oral Surgery in Salt Lake City, UT, can restore, repair, or improve your teeth and more.
When Would I Need an Oral Surgeon?
There are a variety of different circumstances that may require oral surgery. In some cases, an oral surgeon is needed to reconstruct and repair damage to the tissues from trauma sustained in an accident. In other cases, a patient may need oral surgery to restore oral health or to prepare for other procedures. Using precise techniques and drawing upon his many years of experience, Dr. Hopkin can perform oral and maxillofacial surgery to help restore his patients' full oral function.
We Handle Complex Cases Find the Right Professional from the Start
Not all dentists have the training or experience to deal with certain oral health concerns. An oral surgeon is often the person they will turn to when they have a complex case on their hands. Whether you have impacted wisdom teeth that need to be extracted or you're preparing for dental implant placement and require bone grafting, our board-certified oral surgeon is a prime choice for your care.
Which Conditions Can Oral Surgery Treat?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery can treat a range of dental conditions, including dental emergencies. Some of the most common that we address at our Salt Lake City oral surgery office include:
Having a Dental Emergency? Let Our Team Help You
Dental pain and facial trauma caused by accidents can be particularly stressful, so we try to accommodate patients quickly. We offer same-day appointments and will get you in to see Dr. Hopkin as soon as possible. Send us a message or give us a call to get started.
“Made us feel comfortable!” Helping Patients All Over Utah
Holly Drury
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
Dr. Hopkins is very skilled, super friendly and he has an amazing staff! A big shout-out to all of them who made me feel comfortable and less stressed for surgery.
View on GoogleAraceli Chacon
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
Took my concerns into consideration and made us feel comfortable! Thank you for your extra care!
View on GoogleOur Full List of Oral Surgery Treatments
Salt Lake City oral surgeon Dr. Hopkin can improve your health and dental function with services like:
Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants & Placement
How They Work
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are recognized as the very best tooth loss solution. Dr. Hopkin surgically embeds them into the jawbone. After a period of about three to six months, they can secure abutments, or connector pieces, and custom crowns, bridges, or dentures. They can remain in place for decades or even a lifetime, stimulating your bone tissue and preventing the bone recession tied to tooth loss.
Who Can Place Them
Many general dentists refer their patients to Dr. Hopkin for implant placement because he has undergone extensive training with implants in addition to earning his DDS.
The Types We Use
Our oral surgeon offers dental implants from established manufacturers, including Nobel Biocare and Straumann®. He also employs the latest surgical instruments and equipment, like 3D imaging.
How Tooth Loss Can Result in an Aged Appearance and Other Problems
Treating tooth loss quickly can prevent the onset of additional dental problems, such as jawbone atrophy, facial collapse, and movement of surrounding teeth. This can help you maintain a more youthful appearance and prevent premature aging.
such as implant placement.
Three Ways Our Oral Surgeon Can Prepare You for Implants
When it comes to treatments like dental implants, you may not be a candidate yet. You can rest assured that our oral surgeon will only go forward with your treatment if you're a good candidate. He has helped many Salt Lake City, UT, oral surgery patients become eligible with preparatory procedures like:
Bone Grafting
Bone grafts are most commonly performed prior to dental implant surgery. After tooth loss, the jawbone atrophies, which makes the placement of traditional dental implants difficult or even impossible. Bone grafting supplements the bone tissue in the jaw to properly support implants at a later time.
Sinus Lifts
Sinus lifts are a type of bone graft for the upper jaw. It involves the gentle lifting of the maxillary sinus to make room for grafting material in the jawbone. After you heal, you can become a candidate for dental implant and restoration placement.
Tooth Extraction
When absolutely necessary, tooth extraction can alleviate discomfort from a badly damaged, decayed, or infected tooth. Saving a tooth with cavity treatment or a root canal infection is always ideal; however, in some cases, tooth extraction paired with dental implant placement is the best way to improve your oral health.
Another Option? The All-on-4 Technique
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You may not need bone grafting or a sinus lift to qualify for dental implant-supported dentures. Our Salt Lake City, UT, oral surgeon can use as few as four implants per arch of teeth. This number is less than surgeons typically use for implant dentures. It also means you need less bone tissue in place. As a result, more patients can achieve eligibility.
More Types of Oral Surgery Offered at Our Salt Lake City Practice
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, can cause a variety of dental problems for patients. The teeth may not fully erupt, or may come in at an odd angle. They can cause a lot of pain and sensitivity in the surrounding teeth and gums, as well as pain near the jaw. If they are not removed, they can cause the other teeth to shift, resulting in misalignment, and damage adjacent teeth. Extracting these molars can eliminate any discomfort and prevent further complications. At Hopkin Oral Surgery in Salt Lake City, we use gentle extraction techniques and sedation for a more comfortable patient experience.
Oral Biopsy
For more complicated cases and conditions, Dr. Hopkin can take a sample of tissue from the mouth and test it for a more accurate diagnosis. An oral biopsy can be particularly useful to diagnose oral cancers and pinpoint the source of symptoms that are associated with other oral health issues and general wellness conditions that affect the mouth.
TMJ Disorder
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common affliction. Many patients find relief through conservative and nonsurgical methods, such as the use of oral appliances. However, surgery is sometimes needed to correct the problem and provide the patient with long-term relief. If surgical intervention is necessary, Dr. Hopkin can provide steroid injections or perform open joint repair at our Salt Lake City practice to alleviate the painful symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Treatment for Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma
When oral and facial trauma occur, typically in motor vehicle and sports accidents, surgery is often needed to repair and reconstruct the damaged tissues. This can include treatment of fractures in the upper and lower jaws, cheekbones, nose, eye sockets, and forehead. Treatment may also include procedures for missing or chipped teeth and soft tissue injuries.
“Dr. Hopkin and his staff were Amazing!!! Every staff member was knowledgeable in their job. Very organized staff and Doctor. I was expecting for my daughter’s wisdom teeth procedure to take longer than it actually did. She received the best care and I am very happy to have found Dr. Hopkin for this procedure.” Sheree Vigil
Improve Your Oral Health With Surgery Contact Our Salt Lake City Dental Office Today
Dr. Dustin J. Hopkin is a dentist and board-certified oral surgeon in practice since 2011. He has undergone extensive oral surgery training, performs a comprehensive range of procedures, and can provide you with treatment to restore or repair your full oral function. Whether you need oral and maxillofacial surgery to repair trauma, place dental implants, or extract wisdom teeth, you can rely on Dr. Hopkin to provide quality care.
If you need an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Utah, contact our dental practice online or call us in Salt Lake City at:
(801) 277-3942
“I know I'm in good hands.” More 5-Star Reviews From Salt Lake City Patients
Hailey Hall
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
Dr Hopkins and his staff were wonderful. He's very attentive and I know I'm in good hands for my dental work even with my complex medical history.
View on GoogleKarlee
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
Why Choose Our Practice for Your Oral Surgery Needs in Utah?
State-of-the-Art Facility
All of our surgeries are performed in our high-tech office, so you won't have to familiarize yourself with a hospital or pay hospital fees. We use state-of-the-art dental equipment, including 3D imaging, which allows our oral surgeon to create the most comprehensive and individualized treatment plans to best suit each patient's needs.
Same-Day Appointments
Dr. Hopkin and the rest of our friendly team understand that dental emergencies happen. We are proud to offer same-day appointments so we can address dental problems immediately.
Multilingual Care
Our oral surgeon helps patients and their families find the care they need, while communicating in their preferred language. He speaks both Portuguese and Spanish.
The Importance of Board Certification
Dr. Hopkin is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Board certification is a lengthy process that requires a doctor to pass a written and oral exam. The process is meant to prove that an oral surgeon has a wealth of expertise in the field, adheres to high ethical standards, and can be trusted by the public.
Oral Surgeons vs. General Dentists A Closer Look at the Difference
While a general dentist may perform some oral surgeries, that does not necessarily make them a surgeon. A board-certified oral surgeon like Dr. Hopkin in Salt Lake City must receive further education and undergo an additional three to four years of specialized training in surgical techniques.
Oral Surgeons
- Are equipped with the knowledge and techniques to treat complicated cases
- Have more experience with surgical procedures to produce consistent results
- Have access to specialized tools and technology for minimally invasive procedures
General Dentists
- Have a solid understanding of dentistry as a whole, but no specialization
- Are great for cleanings and taking care of minor to moderate dental issues
- Have access to a wide variety of technologies, but may not have specialized tools for surgeries
“Flawless experience at Hopkin! Had some nasty impacted wisdom teeth that they were able to extract with ease. Surgery was quick and I’m on the road to recovery. Will be back for all future oral surgery needs!” Zach Ramsey
Choose an Oral Surgeon for Your Surgery Put Your Health & Comfort First
We understand that any type of surgery can sound intimidating, but sometimes a procedure is necessary for your oral health and well-being. We encourage you to ask any and all questions before moving forward with a surgical procedure. As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dustin J. Hopkin, DDS is a great resource to learn more about these procedures.
While requesting a consultation gives you the most discussion time with Dr. Hopkin, you can also submit individual questions or call our office at:
(801) 277-3942
Don't Be Nervous About Treatment We Offer Dental Sedation
For those who suffer from dental anxiety, we offer several forms of sedation dentistry that can help you relax during a procedure at our Salt Lake City office. We can combine some sedation techniques with local anesthesia to provide a comfortable experience.
Patients can choose one of three major sedation options:
Nitrous Oxide
The mildest form of conscious sedation is nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas.” It helps you relax while staying aware of your surroundings. The effects wear off almost immediately, so you can still drive yourself home after the procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is taken in the form of a pill before surgery, and its strength varies depending on the type and dosage. You will still be conscious during the procedure, but oral sedation usually causes drowsiness, which may take some time to wear off.
IV Sedation
We also offer IV sedation, which delivers the medication through a needle in the back of your hand attached to an IV drip. For this type of sedation, patients stay awake but enter a dream-like state where they don’t remember much about the procedure afterward.
“ I am very thankful for them!” Putting Patients at Ease From the Start
Miku Kremser
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
My consultation was a really great experience. When you go to an oral surgeon you’re really nervous. Yvette’s personality just makes you feel at ease immediately. The surgeon then comes, and he is kind, knowledgeable and comforting. He’s been doing this for 20 years so you can tell he knows what he’s talking about. They walk you through the steps, make suggestions and overall you feel well taken care of.
View on GoogleJenny Johnson
Salt Lake City, UT
2024
My surgery went as smooth as it could possibly be! The Doctor was very empathetic and kind and I could tell that he was excellently skilled! I was very impressed and would ABSOLUTELY recommend him. Dr. Hopkin and all the staff are warm and they explain things well if you have any questions. Not all oral surgeons are like this. 10 out of 10! Thank you Dr. Hopkin and all your staff for making my experience a good one. Dentists and oral surgeon appointments are one of my biggest fear so I am very thankful for them!
View on GoogleFAQ About Oral Surgery
What is maxillofacial surgery?
Maxillofacial surgery is the practice of treating conditions in or around the face, jaw, and mouth. The term is often used interchangeably with “oral surgery,” but maxillofacial surgeons can also treat the lower half of your face—including the jawbone and roof of your mouth—in addition to tooth and dental care.
Does bone grafting have any uses beyond preparing me for implants?
Yes, it does. Besides making you eligible for implants, sinus lifts and bone grafting can have a few other purposes. Dr. Hopkin can perform them to repair tissues after traumatic injury, to remove tumors, or to correct congenital defects.
Is there any reason why a healthy tooth would need to be removed?
Yes, there are several reasons. For example, Dr. Hopkin can remove teeth prior to orthodontic treatment if you do not have enough room for movement of the teeth in your jaw. He can also preventatively remove wisdom tooth that have not erupted or become impacted yet, so that you don't have to worry about problems in the future.
Can I get implants and a restoration placed in one day?
Yes, it's possible to receive implants and a restoration within a day or two of each other. That's because our dentist offers Teeth in a Day, as well as the All-on-4 technique for select patients. These methods allow him to secure a temporary restoration on the same day you receive your new implants.
