David Ludwig, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
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David Ludwig

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

5122 Olympic Drive B-106 Gig Harbor WA, 98335
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About

Dr. David Ludwig is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Tacoma, WA. Dr. Ludwig specializes in the treatment of problems related to the face, mouth and jaws. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Ludwig is a unique dental specialist who can provide emergency medicine, perform general surgery and give anesthesia. These medical doctors are the only type of medical care specialist who can administer anesthesia, besides anesthesiologists. Typical procedures performed by Dr. Ludwig are tooth extractions, especially wisdom teeth, corrective jaw surgery, cleft palate surgery and reconstructive surgery after an injury. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can also perform dental work including placing dental implants. These surgeons might also deal with conditions of sleep apnea, oral cancers and more.

Education and Training

University of Washington M.D. 2018

University of Washington D.D.S. 2015

University of Washington Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2021

Provider Details

Male English
David Ludwig
David Ludwig's Expert Contributions
  • Do you get general anesthesia for jaw alignment surgery?

    Your surgeon will generally perform the surgery under general anesthesia in an operating room or surgical center. For lower jaw surgery your surgeon may instead perform the surgery in an office setting under intravenous sedation. READ MORE

  • Does corrective jaw surgery leave scars?

    Depending on the specific surgical technique, corrective jaw surgery may leave scars. Some surgeons perform the surgery through incisions only within the oral cavity, while others utilize ~1 cm incisions at the angle of the jaw (mandible) to assist in the placement of fixation screws. The latter may lead to scar formation at the site of incision. Both techniques yield good results. I would speak to your surgeon about which technique they utilize and inform them if you have any history of adverse scarring, keloids, or systemic illness. READ MORE

  • What antibiotics are used after oral surgery?

    The choice for antibiotics and their duration will depend on the nature of infection, type of procedure, history of antibiotic use, allergies, patient or surgeon preferences. Often times an antibiotic like penicillin, amoxicillin or Augmentin will be used for routine oral surgery procedures or oral infections in the absence of any allergies. Other antibiotics used may include Clindamycin, Azithromycin, Metronidazole, Cephalexin. READ MORE

  • How can I prevent infection after jaw surgery?

    The risks of infection after jaw surgery are low. Talk with your surgeon about how to minimize your risk in anticipation of your upcoming jaw surgery. They may recommend antibiotics prior or during the surgery, or a postoperative course depending on their preference and your allergies. In order to prevent infection, there are things you can do, too. Focus on your oral hygiene (tooth brushing, mouth-rinse, flossing/water-flossing). Make sure you are getting adequate nutrition. Stay on schedule with any medications you may be prescribed (anti-inflammatory, pain medication, antibiotic). Reduce swelling with a cold compress in the first days after surgery. Avoid any tobacco use. Follow any instructions you were given by the surgeon or their clinic. READ MORE

  • What helps with pain after tooth extraction?

    Pain after tooth extractions can be multi-factorial, so an approach that addresses each contributor is important. Using an ice-pack the first ~3 days will help to reduce the effect of swelling which can contribute to discomfort. You may be placed on an antibiotic for an underlying infection, which, when treated, will improve symptoms of pain. Anti-inflammatories (i.e. Ibuprofen) and Tylenol, if you don't have any allergies or contraindications to those medications, are important to use on a regular basis after the procedure. Depending on the level of discomfort, your provider may prescribe a narcotic medication that can be used as needed for severe postoperative pain. READ MORE

  • How long does overbite surgery take?

    Corrective jaw surgery may involve a combination of upper jaw (maxilla) and/or lower jaw (mandible) surgery. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your existing and desired esthetics, chin reduction or "augmentation" procedures may be performed at the same time. That being said, the surgery can be as short as <1 hour but may take up to 3-5 hours depending on the complexity of your case. READ MORE

  • Is it normal for an implant to hurt?

    Discomfort is common after dental implant surgery and should be expected in the immediate postoperative period. Discomfort should get better day by day and it is not uncommon to have some discomfort that continues to resolve 1 week after the procedure. Your recovery will also depend on whether or not any other procedures were performed at the same time - i.e. tooth extraction, bone grafting, bone graft harvest, sinus augmentation. If you are having pain that is not relieved with pain medicine, I would contact the surgeon who placed your implant or present to an urgent dental care clinic in the event they are unavailable. Furthermore, if you have discharge or signs of infection, you will want to be evaluated on an urgent basis. In the meantime, optimize over the counter medicines (taking into account other medicines you may take, your medical history, and allergies) and any other pain medicines that were prescribed. READ MORE

  • How long does a jaw alignment take?

    Orthognathic surgery can include a combination of upper jaw surgery (maxilla), lower jaw surgery (mandible), and chin surgery. Depending on the combination needed to correct your dental and skeletal relationship, the surgery may take <1 hour or up to 4+ hours. READ MORE

  • Is dental implant removal painful?

    Dental implant removal is performed under local anesthesia +/- nitrous, oral sedation, or intravenous sedation. You should not feel sharp pain during the procedure itself if you have been given adequate local anesthesia. The recovery will be similar to when the implant was placed and you should expect some swelling, discomfort and bleeding in the recovery period. READ MORE

  • Is a CT scan required before dental implants?

    A CT scan (CBCT [cone beam CT]) most commonly) is recommend prior to dental implant surgery because it gives the most information about the amount and quality of bone available and the relationship of the planned implant site with neighboring teeth, the maxillary sinus, inferior alveolar nerve, nasal cavity, and the incisive canal. READ MORE

  • Are you put to sleep for a bone graft?

    Oral surgeons offer a range of anesthetic options including local anesthesia +/- nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or intravenous sedation. The anesthetic choice will depend on the nature of the bone grafting procedure, your medical history, and your preference, as well as the surgeon's preference. READ MORE

  • Can I get 4 dental implants at once?

    Certainly! Multiple dental implants can be placed safely during a single visit. READ MORE

  • Can molars be replaced with implants?

    Yes, although there are special considerations for molar teeth in the upper jaw (alveolar/maxillary bone loss, proximity of the maxillary sinus) and lower jaw (alveolar/mandibular bone loss, proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve) so an evaluation with someone trained in dental implants is essential to ensure you are a candidate for implants. READ MORE

  • Can a dentist stabilize a loose tooth?

    Depending on the cause of tooth mobility (e.g. trauma, periodontal bone loss, root/crown fracture) your dentist, or an oral surgeon, can provide you tooth stabilization options. READ MORE

  • Can you eat after wisdom teeth surgery?

    It is essential to have adequate nutrition after wisdom tooth removal to optimize healing. Your oral surgeon may recommend a specific diet (liquids, soft foods) based on their preference and the nature of the procedure. Ask your provider what foods they prefer during the healing process. READ MORE

  • How long do you stay in hospital after jaw surgery?

    Depending on the type of jaw surgery you are having (upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws) you may be admitted and observed in the hospital postoperatively. Most patients stay overnight and are safe for discharge on the first postoperative day. READ MORE

  • How long does your nose bleed after jaw surgery?

    Nose bleeds are common after jaw surgery, either related to upper jaw surgery or from the nasal endotracheal tube used during your surgery. That being said, you should contact your surgeon if this continues or you cannot stop the nose bleed especially if you are on any blood thinning medications or have a history of bleeding problems. READ MORE

  • Is jaw surgery necessary for open bite?

    Depending on the overall relationship of your upper and lower jaw and your teeth, and the degree of open bite, you may benefit from orthognathic surgery. Your dentist, orthodontist and oral surgeon can work with you to offer treatment options based on your goals and the nature of your “bite”. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Dental ImplantsMaxillofacial ReconstructionOrthognathic SurgeryWisdom Tooth RemovalOral PathologyFacial Trauma

Professional Memberships

  • American Dental Association  
  • American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons  
  • American Medical Association  

David Ludwig's Practice location

Harbor Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

2302 S Union St B-16 -
Tacoma, WA 98405
Get Direction
New patients: 253-759-3718
harbororalsurgery.com

Harbor Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

5122 Olympic Drive B-106 -
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Get Direction
New patients: 253-851-8880
harbororalsurgery.com

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1717 SOUTH J STREET TACOMA WA 98405

2302 S Union Ave Suite A 4,5 & 7, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
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1717 S J St, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA

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315 S MLK JR WAY TACOMA WA 98415

2302 S Union Ave Suite A 4,5 & 7, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
Head east toward S 23rd St
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Turn left toward S 23rd St
174 ft
Turn right toward S 23rd St
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Turn right onto S 23rd St
171 ft
Turn left onto S Union AvePass by McDonald's (on the right)
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Turn right onto S 19th St
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317 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR W BOX 5299 TACOMA WA 98415

2302 S Union Ave Suite A 4,5 & 7, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
Head east toward S 23rd St
131 ft
Turn left toward S 23rd St
174 ft
Turn right toward S 23rd St
43 ft
Turn right onto S 23rd St
171 ft
Turn left onto S Union AvePass by McDonald's (on the right)
0.3 mi
Turn right onto S 19th St
0.9 mi
Turn left onto S Sprague Ave
0.7 mi
Turn right onto S 9th St
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315 S MLK JR WAY TACOMA WA 98415

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317 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR W BOX 5299 TACOMA WA 98415

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