A Day in the Life of an Oral Surgeon: Behind the Scenes with Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD

Ever wondered what a day in the life of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon looks like? I know, it's not exactly the kind of thing you daydream about at work, but trust me, it's more exciting than you might think. Being an oral surgeon isn't just about pulling wisdom teeth (though I do that, too)—it’s about changing lives, tackling complex surgeries, and yes, even squeezing in a much-needed cup of coffee along the way. So, buckle up as we take you behind the scenes for a day in my life at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma. It’s a day full of precision, compassion, and, believe it or not, a little bit of humor.

3:50 AM - The Early Bird Gets the Scalpel
They say discipline starts at dawn—or in my case, before it. I’m up at 3:50 AM, not because I have to be, but because I want to be. I start the day with a workout that’s equal parts energizing and meditative. Whether it’s a run through the neighborhood or hitting the weights, this is my time to clear my head and prepare for the day ahead. As an oral surgeon, mental clarity and physical stamina are key, so keeping myself in shape is as much for my patients as it is for me.

By 5:30 AM, I’m in my kitchen enjoying a protein shake that’s less “delicious treat” and more “fuel for the day,” but hey, no one said greatness was easy, right?

6:30 AM - The Calm Before the Surgical Storm
By 6:30 AM, I’m at the office and ready to start reviewing the day's cases. This is the quiet moment before the hustle and bustle begins—a time to check charts, look at X-rays, and mentally map out each patient’s surgery. Whether it’s a dental implant placement, a wisdom teeth removal, or a facial trauma repair, each case gets my full attention. The details matter, and I’m all about precision.

I’ll also touch base with my amazing team. From my assistants to the front desk staff, we’re all on the same page about one thing: patient care comes first. They call me Dr. Egan, but honestly, we’re a family here. We work together like a well-oiled machine, and our patients are at the center of everything we do.

8:00 AM - First Surgery: A Dental Implant Masterpiece
The first case of the day? A dental implant surgery for a patient who’s been struggling with missing teeth for years. Dental implants aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about function, and this patient will be able to eat and speak with confidence again. I start by using 3D imaging to guide the placement of the implants with the utmost precision.

Here's the thing about implants—they're small, but they pack a punch when it comes to restoring someone's smile and quality of life. It’s like being a sculptor, but instead of marble, I’m working with titanium and bone. The satisfaction of placing a perfect implant never gets old, and knowing that I’m helping this patient feel whole again is the reason I love what I do.

After the surgery, I make sure to personally check on the patient as they wake up, reassuring them that everything went perfectly. I’m a firm believer in communication, and I want every patient to know they’re in the loop about their care.

10:00 AM - Wisdom Teeth Removal: Smooth and Easy
Next up, we’ve got a wisdom teeth extraction—a classic in the oral surgery world. But this one’s a little different. The patient’s wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they’re hiding under the gums, and getting them out requires a little extra finesse. No problem; I’ve done this thousands of times.

I perform the procedure quickly, efficiently, and most importantly, painlessly (thanks to IV sedation, which I’m certified in administering). The patient won’t remember much of the procedure, but they’ll remember the smooth recovery and the fact that I was there every step of the way to answer their questions.

12:00 PM - Lunch... and Learning
I don’t typically schedule a lunch during my day but I often run ahead of schedule which allows time for lunch.   This time of the day allows me to read the most recent scientific and surgical literature in order to stay sharp.  I’ll often read up on the latest research in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Whether it’s a new technique or an update on facial trauma repair, staying current is critical in my field. I’ve spent years in training and practice, but learning never stops—and that’s part of what makes being an oral surgeon so rewarding.

Plus, you never know when that next bit of knowledge could help a patient with a particularly tricky case. So, while I’m recharging my body with lunch, I’m also recharging my brain.

1:00 PM - A Complex Jaw Surgery: The Big Leagues
Later in the day, it is time for a more complex case: a mandibular tumor removal.  This is the kind of procedure that not every oral surgeon tackles. It requires a precise understanding of both the functional and cosmetic aspects of the jaw. This particular patient has been dealing with a misaligned bite due to jaw bone expansion, leading to discomfort and difficulty chewing. Today, we’re going to fix that.

Jaw surgeries like this isn’t only life changing, —it’s often “life saving”.  When I walk into that operating room, I know that I’m doing something that will impact this patient’s quality of life for the rest of their lives. After providing careful, intricate surgery on this patient, the patient’s jaw is meticulously sutured and closed to allow for optimal healing. It’s hard to describe the satisfaction of providing such specialized care, but trust me, it’s there.

Elite Oral Surgery office manager, Nayeli Perez provides hydration to Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD after performing a complex jaw surgery in our state-of-the-are surgical suite in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

3:00 PM - Follow-Up Appointments: The Personal Touch
Surgery may be the highlight, but follow-up care is just as important. By 3:00 PM, I’m meeting with patients who had procedures earlier in the week. This is my chance to check on their healing process, make sure there are no complications, and address any concerns they have.

One of the things I love most is hearing patients say things like, “That wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be!” or “I’m already feeling better!” It’s moments like these that remind me why I chose this career.

4-5:00 PM - Wrapping Up, But Always On Call
By 5:00 PM, I’m finishing up my day, but let’s be honest—I’m never really “off the clock.” Oral surgeons are often on call for emergencies like facial trauma from accidents, so I’m always prepared for a late-night call to head to the ER if needed. That’s the nature of this job, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma is the Right Choice
Here’s the bottom line: Being an oral and maxillofacial surgeon isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, I take every case seriously because I know that what I do has a lasting impact on my patients’ lives. Whether you’re coming in for something routine like wisdom teeth removal or something more complex like jaw surgery, you’ll get my full attention, my experience, and my dedication to your care.

Choosing the right surgeon isn’t just about qualifications (though I’ve got those as well). It’s about finding someone who truly cares about you—and that’s what sets Elite Oral Surgery apart. From the moment you walk in the door to the follow-up care after surgery, we make sure you feel like more than just another patient. Here, you’re part of our family, and we’re committed to delivering the best possible care every single day.

We would love to have you come see what Elite Oral Surgery can offer YOU!
If you’re ready to experience the best in oral and maxillofacial care, give us a call at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma. Whether you need a routine procedure or something more complex, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, is here to provide compassionate, expert care. Call us at (918) 123-4567 or visit www.eliteoralsurgeryofok.com to schedule your consultation today.

Internal Links:

• Read about Elite’s head surgeon, Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD.
• Check out our Locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

External Links:

• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (Infographic)
• Path to becoming and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (Infographic)