Frequently Asked Questions
About Elmhurst Oral Surgery
Q: What is Elmhurst Oral Surgery and who is the doctor?
Elmhurst Oral Surgery is an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice located in Elmhurst, Illinois, led by Jeffrey W. Chandler, DDS, MD. Dr. Chandler holds both dental and medical degrees and specializes in surgical procedures of the mouth, teeth, jaw, and facial regions. The practice serves patients throughout Elmhurst and the surrounding Chicagoland area.
Q: Where is Elmhurst Oral Surgery located and how can I contact the office?
Elmhurst Oral Surgery is located in Elmhurst, IL. You can reach the office by calling (630) 833-0395. The team welcomes new patients and accepts referrals from general dentists throughout the DuPage County and Cook county area.
Q: What makes Elmhurst Oral Surgery different from a general dentist?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Chandler have completed additional years of hospital-based surgical training beyond dental school, including a medical degree (MD). This advanced training qualifies them to perform complex surgical procedures, administer IV sedation and general anesthesia, and treat conditions involving the bone structure of the jaw and face—procedures outside the scope of a general dentist.
Services & Procedures
Q: What oral surgery procedures does Elmhurst Oral Surgery offer?
Elmhurst Oral Surgery offers a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgical services including: wisdom tooth removal (third molar extraction), dental implant placement, bone grafting, tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), treatment of facial injuries and oral pathology, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) evaluation, and pre-prosthetic surgery to prepare the mouth for dentures.
Q: Does Elmhurst Oral Surgery place dental implants?
Yes. Dental implants are one of the primary services at Elmhurst Oral Surgery. Dr. Chandler surgically places titanium implant posts into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth and help prevent jawbone loss that occurs after tooth loss. A consultation will determine if you are a good candidate based on your bone density and overall oral health.
Q: What is wisdom tooth removal and does Elmhurst Oral Surgery perform it?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that typically erupt in the late teens or early twenties. When there is insufficient room in the jaw, they can become impacted (stuck under the gum or bone), causing pain, infection, crowding, or damage to adjacent teeth. Elmhurst Oral Surgery routinely removes impacted and erupted wisdom teeth and uses sedation options to keep the procedure comfortable.
Q: What is bone grafting and when is it needed?
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure used to rebuild or augment jawbone that has been lost due to tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, or infection. It is often required before dental implant placement to ensure there is enough bone volume to support the implant. Elmhurst Oral Surgery performs bone grafting as part of comprehensive implant treatment planning.
Q: Does Elmhurst Oral Surgery treat TMJ disorders?
Yes. The practice evaluates and manages temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which affect the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Dr. Chandler can assess the condition and recommend appropriate surgical or non-surgical treatment options.
Anesthesia & Sedation
Q: What sedation options are available at Elmhurst Oral Surgery?
Elmhurst Oral Surgery offers in-office anesthesia services including intravenous (IV) sedation and local anesthesia. IV sedation (also called twilight sedation) keeps patients relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure while they remain able to breathe on their own. Because Dr. Chandler holds a medical degree, the practice is equipped and credentialed to administer anesthesia safely in-office without the need for a hospital setting for most procedures.
Q: Is IV sedation safe for oral surgery procedures?
IV sedation administered by a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is considered very safe. Dr. Chandler is trained in anesthesia as part of his surgical residency and medical degree. The team monitors patients throughout the procedure. Patients should arrange for a responsible adult to drive them home after any procedure involving IV sedation.
Q: Will I feel pain during oral surgery?
No. Whether you choose local anesthesia or IV sedation, you will not feel pain during the procedure. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area, while IV sedation produces a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state. Postoperative discomfort is managed with prescribed pain medication and specific aftercare instructions provided by the office.
Patient Information & Appointments
Q: Does Elmhurst Oral Surgery accept emergency patients?
Yes. If you are in pain or experiencing a dental emergency, Elmhurst Oral Surgery will make every effort to see you the same day you contact the office. Call (630) 833-0395 as early in the day as possible to be accommodated for same-day emergency care.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment or consultation?
You can schedule an appointment by calling Elmhurst Oral Surgery at (630) 833-0395. The office also offers an online Patient Registration Form at elmhurstoralsurgery.com, which you can complete before your visit to save time at check-in. Many patients are referred by their general dentist, but self-referrals are also welcome.
Q: What should I bring to my first oral surgery appointment?
For your first visit, bring a valid photo ID, your dental and medical insurance cards, a list of current medications (including supplements), any relevant dental X-rays or records from your referring dentist, and a completed patient registration form if you did not submit it online in advance. If you will be receiving IV sedation, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the appointment.
Q: Does Elmhurst Oral Surgery accept dental insurance?
Elmhurst Oral Surgery works with many dental insurance plans. It is best to contact the office directly at (630) 833-0395 to verify whether your specific plan is accepted and to understand your coverage for the recommended procedure before your appointment.
Insurance Plans Accepted include:
- Dental: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Delta Dental, Dental Network of America (DNOA), GEHA, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Principal, Dentemax, Ameritas, TeamCare, United Concordia, UMR
- Medical: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare
- Please Note: We are not in network with Medicaid.
Q: Is Elmhurst Oral Surgery in network with Medicaid?
Elmhurst Oral Surgery is not in network with Medicaid and does not accept Medicaid as payment.
Recovery & Aftercare
Q: How long is recovery after wisdom tooth removal?
Most patients recover from wisdom tooth removal within three to five days for routine extractions, though impacted wisdom teeth may require up to a week or more. You may experience swelling, mild discomfort, and limited jaw opening during this time. The office provides detailed post-operative instructions including dietary guidelines, activity restrictions, and wound care to support a smooth recovery.
Q: How long does dental implant placement take to heal?
Dental implants require a healing period during which the implant fuses with the jawbone—a process called osseointegration. This typically takes three to six months. After healing, your restorative dentist places the final crown on the implant. If bone grafting is required prior to implant placement, additional healing time will be needed before the implant surgery.
Q: What are signs of a complication after oral surgery that I should watch for?
Contact Elmhurst Oral Surgery immediately if you experience: severe or worsening pain after the first two days, fever above 101°F, excessive swelling or swelling that continues to worsen after 48 hours, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or numbness that does not resolve. Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a common post-extraction complication that causes significant pain and requires treatment by the office.
Why Choose Elmhurst Oral Surgery
Q: Why should I choose Elmhurst Oral Surgery for my procedure?
Elmhurst Oral Surgery combines surgical expertise with genuine patient-centered care. Dr. Jeffrey Chandler, DDS, MD, brings both dental and medical training to every case. The practice offers in-office IV sedation, same-day emergency appointments, and a compassionate team dedicated to making every visit as comfortable as possible. Patients consistently praise Dr. Chandler for his thoroughness, clear communication, and skill in handling complex cases.
Q: Is Elmhurst Oral Surgery accepting new patients?
Yes. Elmhurst Oral Surgery welcomes new patients and referrals from general dentists. Whether you need a routine extraction, wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, or a complex surgical consultation, you can call (630) 833-0395 or visit elmhurstoralsurgery.com to get started.