Compare 23 oral surgeons in Durham, NC. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
23
Oral Surgeons
100%
Accepting patients
35%
Most common: DDS
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Durham is a Duke town when it comes to healthcare. Duke University Hospital is a top-10 nationally ranked medical center, and the Duke Health system is by far the dominant provider in the city. For residents who need something beyond what Duke offers locally, UNC Chapel Hill is only 15 minutes west. The concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in Research Triangle Park means the area attracts physicians who want to be near research.
Durham has 23 oral surgeons. The most common credential is DDS (35%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Downtown Durham, Brightleaf District, Ninth Street, and Trinity Park.
Durham is compact compared to Raleigh and Charlotte. Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital are both within a few miles of downtown. Most medical offices cluster along Erwin Road near the Duke campus or along NC-147 (Durham Freeway). Getting to UNC Chapel Hill is a straight shot west on I-40. The area is small enough that most drives to medical appointments are under 15 minutes.
Nearby hospitals include Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Durham VA Health Care System. Local training programs run through Duke University School of Medicine and North Carolina Central University. Duke University Hospital is consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the nation.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is the dominant carrier, with strong Duke Health network coverage. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are common through large employers and the biotech sector. NC Medicaid through WellCare and AmeriHealth Caritas covers Duke Regional and community health centers. Duke's employee health plan is one of the largest in the Triangle. 22% accept Medicare.
The initial consultation includes X-rays or a CT scan, a physical exam of your mouth and jaw, and a discussion of your surgical options and anesthesia choices. The surgeon will explain the procedure, recovery timeline, and any risks. Most office procedures use IV sedation, meaning you will be comfortable but not fully unconscious.
Durham has fewer independent dental practices than you might expect, since many dentists here are affiliated with Duke or community health centers. The Lincoln Community Health Center serves patients on sliding-scale fees.
You may need an oral surgeon for impacted wisdom teeth, teeth requiring surgical extraction, jaw misalignment causing functional problems, TMJ disorders that have not responded to other treatments, facial trauma or fractures, suspicious oral lesions requiring biopsy, or preparation for dental implants that need bone grafting.
Wisdom teeth (all four): $1,500-3,000 · Bone graft: $300-800 · Jaw surgery: $5,000-50,000+
Durham shares the Triangle's intense pollen seasons. Allergy-related mouth breathing is a common contributor to dry mouth and cavity risk that local dentists screen for.
Wisdom teeth that are trapped beneath the gum or bone require surgical extraction. Oral surgeons perform these procedures regularly, often under IV sedation for comfort.
Oral surgeons place dental implant posts and perform bone grafts when the jaw does not have enough volume to support an implant. They handle complex cases involving multiple missing teeth.
Severe jaw misalignment that braces alone cannot correct may require surgery to reposition the upper or lower jaw. Oral surgeons work with orthodontists to plan and execute these procedures.
Broken jaws, cheekbones, and eye sockets from accidents or injuries require surgical repair. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in reconstructing facial bones and soft tissue.
Unusual lumps, sores, or lesions in the mouth that do not heal need evaluation. Oral surgeons perform biopsies to determine whether growths are benign or require further treatment.
Durham, NC has 23 licensed oral surgeons. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of oral surgeons in Durham, NC are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has the broadest network and covers most Duke providers. Some Duke specialists may require prior authorization. NC Medicaid is accepted at Duke Regional and Lincoln CHC.
Wisdom teeth removal (all four) typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 with IV sedation. Bone grafting runs $300 to $800. Jaw surgery ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on complexity. Actual costs in Durham, NC depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Oral surgery may be covered by dental insurance, medical insurance, or both. Jaw surgery for a medical condition often falls under medical insurance. Check both plans.
Duke Health is the primary system in Durham. Duke University Hospital handles complex and specialty care, while Duke Regional Hospital provides community-level services. For non-Duke options, Lincoln Community Health Center and UNC Health (in nearby Chapel Hill) are alternatives.
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Durham, NC, 35% hold the DDS credential and 13% hold DMD. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
22% of oral surgeons in Durham, NC accept Medicare. Medicare may cover oral surgery when it is medically necessary, such as jaw fracture repair or tumor removal. Routine wisdom tooth removal is generally not covered by Medicare. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
No. Duke provides primary care, routine specialist visits, and urgent care alongside its nationally ranked specialty programs. Duke Primary Care has offices throughout Durham for everyday medical needs.
Durham's Lincoln Community Health Center accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and offers sliding-scale fees. UNC Health facilities in Chapel Hill (a 15-minute drive) may also be in your network. Duke Regional Hospital accepts a broader range of plans than the main Duke campus.
Top accepted carriers in Durham, NC include qhp-46082, qhp-21989, unitedhealthcare, medicare, and centene.
Oral surgery may be covered by dental insurance, medical insurance, or both, depending on the reason for the procedure. Wisdom teeth removal is usually dental. Jaw surgery for a medical condition (like sleep apnea) or facial trauma often falls under medical insurance. Ask the surgeon's office to verify coverage with both your dental and medical plans.