Frequently Asked Questions
Forsyth Oral Surgery and Implant Center
Forsyth Oral Surgery and Implant Center in Winston-Salem, NC provides advanced oral and maxillofacial surgical care in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, sedation dentistry, and full-scope oral surgery procedures.
Who are the doctors at Forsyth Oral Surgery and Implant Center?
Forsyth Oral Surgery and Implant Center is led by three highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons: Dr. A. Todd Smith, Dr. Bradly K. Russell, and Dr. Mark T. Shehan. Each doctor is board-certified or board-qualified in oral and maxillofacial surgery and brings extensive surgical training, hospital experience, and decades of combined expertise to the practice.
Together, they provide full-scope oral surgery care including dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, sedation dentistry, and corrective jaw procedures.
Dr. A. Todd Smith, DDS
Dr. Smith has been practicing oral and maxillofacial surgery in Winston-Salem since 1994. He completed his surgical training at the nationally recognized Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center in New York, along with affiliated hospitals in the New York City and Long Island region.
He earned both his undergraduate and dental degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery as well as the National Board of Dental Anesthesiology.
Dr. Smith’s clinical focus includes:
- Dental implants
- Bone grafting procedures
- Dentoalveolar surgery
- Orthognathic (jaw) surgery
He also serves on senior hospital staff at Forsyth Medical Center and other surgical centers in the region.
Dr. Brad Russell, DDS
Dr. Russell is originally from Durham, North Carolina and completed both his undergraduate and dental education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with honors and received the Hillebrand-Lupton Award in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
He completed his oral surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and went on to serve in the United States Air Force, where he held leadership roles including Chief of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at multiple military bases.
His areas of expertise include:
- Dental implants and full arch restoration
- Impacted wisdom teeth removal
- Bone grafting and reconstruction
- Orthognathic surgery
- Complex oral surgical procedures
Dr. Russell is also board-certified and known for his patient-focused approach, emphasizing comfort, communication, and clarity throughout treatment.
Dr. Mark T. Shehan, DDS
Dr. Shehan has been practicing with Forsyth Oral Surgery and Implant Center since 1987. He completed both his undergraduate and dental education at the University of North Carolina and later pursued advanced surgical and anesthesia training, including hospital-based residency programs and specialized oral and maxillofacial surgery training at the Medical University of South Carolina.
He became board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery in 1989 and has maintained active continuing education throughout his career.
His clinical interests include:
- Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery
- TMJ surgery
- Facial trauma treatment
- Cleft palate and reconstructive surgery
- Dental implants and bone grafting
Dr. Shehan is also actively involved in professional organizations including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Drs. Smith, Russell and Shehan offer a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Drs. Smith, Russell and Shehan offer a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
What does an oral and maxillofacial surgeon do?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist trained to perform surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, teeth, and facial structures. These doctors complete extensive hospital-based surgical training in addition to dental school.
Common procedures include:
- Dental implant placement
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Tooth extractions (simple and complex)
- Jaw surgery and corrective procedures
- Bone grafting
- IV sedation and anesthesia
What services does Forsyth Oral Surgery and Implant Center offer?
We provide a full range of surgical dental services, including:
- Dental implants
- Full arch restoration / implant-supported teeth
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Tooth extractions
- Bone grafting procedures
- Pre-prosthetic surgery
- IV sedation and anesthesia
- Oral pathology evaluation and treatment
Our goal is to deliver complete surgical care in one location whenever possible.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone to function as a replacement tooth root.
Benefits include:
- Natural appearance and function
- Long-term durability
- Improved chewing and speaking ability
- Prevention of bone loss in the jaw
- Stability compared to removable dentures
What is full arch restoration?
Full arch restoration replaces an entire upper or lower set of teeth using dental implants. This treatment is designed for patients with multiple missing or failing teeth.
Benefits include:
- Fixed, non-removable teeth
- Restored bite function
- Improved aesthetics and confidence
- Strong, long-term solution for full-mouth rehabilitation
Do you offer sedation for oral surgery?
Yes. Patient comfort is a priority, and we offer IV sedation options for many surgical procedures.
Sedation may help patients:
- Feel relaxed and anxiety-free during treatment
- Reduce awareness of the procedure
- Experience a more comfortable surgical visit
- Support a smoother recovery experience
Who performs the procedures at Forsyth Oral Surgery and Implant Center?
Our practice is led by highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced surgical education and hospital-based training.
They specialize in:
- Complex oral surgical procedures
- Dental implant placement and restoration
- Bone grafting and reconstructive procedures
- Sedation and anesthesia management
- Full arch and full-mouth rehabilitation cases
Our surgeons focus on precision, safety, and predictable outcomes for every patient.
Why should I choose Forsyth Oral Surgery and Implant Center?
Patients choose our practice because we combine advanced surgical expertise with a strong focus on comfort and care.
Key reasons include:
- Board-certified oral surgeons with extensive training
- Comprehensive implant and surgical services in one location
- IV sedation options for patient comfort
- Advanced technology and surgical planning
- Experience with complex and full-mouth cases
- Focus on safety, precision, and long-term results
- Patient-centered care from consultation through recovery
We aim to make even complex oral surgery as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Drs. Smith, Russell and Shehan offer a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
What can I expect during my consultation?
During your initial visit, we will:
- Review your medical and dental history
- Perform a clinical examination
- Take diagnostic imaging if needed
- Discuss treatment options in detail
- Create a personalized surgical plan
You will leave with a clear understanding of your recommended treatment and next steps.
How long is recovery after oral surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure:
- Simple extractions: a few days
- Dental implants: initial healing in 1–2 weeks, full integration over several months
- Bone grafting or full arch procedures: recovery varies based on complexity
Detailed aftercare instructions are provided to support healing and comfort.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
In many cases, a referral is not required. Patients can contact our office directly to schedule a consultation.
If your insurance requires a referral, our team can help guide you through the process.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule a consultation by contacting Forsyth Oral Surgery and Implant Center directly. Our team will help you find an appointment time and answer any questions about your visit.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Drs. Smith, Russell and Shehan offer a number of dental treatments that can keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
Why is specialized oral surgery important?
Oral surgery procedures require advanced training beyond general dentistry. Choosing a specialist ensures:
- Higher level of surgical precision
- Improved safety during complex procedures
- Access to sedation options
- Better outcomes for implants and reconstructive work
Our team is dedicated exclusively to surgical dentistry, allowing us to focus on complex cases every day.