Call (772) 301-9033Request a visit

Dental implants and oral surgery

This part of dentistry covers two kinds of care that often go together. One is replacing missing teeth with dental implants. An implant is a small post placed in the jawbone that holds a crown, a bridge, or a full set of teeth. The other is oral surgery, such as removing a tooth that can’t be saved, taking out wisdom teeth, or rebuilding bone.

You might need this kind of care if you have a gap where a tooth used to be. A tooth that is badly broken or infected, wisdom teeth that hurt, and dentures that slip are other common reasons. A missing tooth isn’t only about looks. Over time, the teeth beside the gap can drift, and the bone under it slowly shrinks.

Dr. Minici, a general dentist, provides this care. Some cases are referred to an oral surgeon, such as wisdom teeth that are deeply impacted (stuck under the gum or in the bone).

Implant care takes patience. From start to finish, an implant usually takes several months, because the bone needs time to heal around it. Some people need a bone graft first, which adds time.

Each service below explains what happens, what it feels like, and how healing usually goes.

Care is provided byDr. James Minici, general dentist.

Treatments

  • Dental implants

    A small post placed in the jawbone that holds a crown, bridge, or denture in place of missing teeth. The whole process usually takes several months.

  • Full-arch implant restorations

    A full set of upper or lower teeth fixed to several implants in the jaw. It stays in place, and only your dentist can take it out.

  • Tooth extractions

    Removing a tooth that can’t be saved, with the area numbed first, plus clear aftercare for bleeding, swelling, and healing.

  • Wisdom teeth removal

    Removing third molars that are stuck, partly in, or causing pain or infection. Deeply impacted teeth are often referred to an oral surgeon.

  • Bone grafting

    Rebuilding jawbone that has thinned after tooth loss or gum disease, often so it can hold a dental implant. Healing usually takes a few months.

A natural tooth compared with a dental implant: Natural toothTwo drawings side by side. On the left, a natural molar sits in its bone socket, held by a thin ligament (shaded) around the roots. On the right, an implant: a threaded post (shaded) in the bone, an abutment that connects to it, and a crown on top.
  • Crown
  • Root
  • Ligament
  • Bone
Natural tooth, part 1 of 2
A natural tooth compared with a dental implant: ImplantImplant. Part 2 of 2 of this figure.
  • Crown
  • Abutment
  • Implant
  • Bone
Implant, part 2 of 2
A natural tooth is held in its socket by the periodontal ligament, a thin cushion of fibers around the root. An implant post is placed in the bone, and the bone heals tightly around it. An abutment then connects the post to the crown.

An exam is how we find out what’s right for you.

Plan a visit

Tell us a little about what’s going on, and we’ll call you to find a time.

Request a visitCall (772) 301-9033