Oral Surgery Levittown, NY 11756

At 4Excellence in Dentistry, our comprehensive range of dental care services includes many oral surgery procedures. In most cases, we do not need to refer patients who need a surgical procedure to another specialist, but are able to perform a range of surgeries on-site. We are able to extract impacted wisdom teeth and carry out other complex extractions. We also provide surgical placement of dental implants, and offer bone grafting for patients who may require the procedure prior to implant surgery.

Oral Surgery Options for Extractions, Bone Grafting and Dental Implant Placement

Dental offices often refer their patients to oral surgeons for a number of procedures, but we strive to provide patients with a comprehensive range of services under one roof. We can perform many oral surgery procedures on-site at our Long Island practice, including the surgical placement of dental implants, bone grafting, and tooth extractions. To learn more about our oral surgery services, contact our office today and schedule an appointment.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth also referred to as third molars, typically erupt from the gums between the ages of 17 and 25. Depending upon their alignment and the amount of available space in a patient’s mouth, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted. As many as 90 percent of patients have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, which means it is enclosed within the tissue of the jawbone and is unable to fully emerge. It is best to have wisdom teeth removed early, before root formation is fully developed. The jawbones of younger patients are less dense, so the surgery and recovery is often less painful, and the risk of complications is minimized.

Some patients have fewer than four wisdom teeth, and a small number are fortunate to have none. The dentist can determine the presence and positioning of your wisdom teeth using x-rays, and make a recommendation for removal, if needed. The procedure is performed under oral sedation.

Dental Implant Surgery

We are equipped to place dental implants, including traditional implants, mini implants, and All-on-4® implants. Dental implants are an increasingly popular way to stabilize dental restorations, including dentures and dental crowns.

To place traditional implants, small titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone. Once healed, usually four to six months later, new incisions are made in the gum and abutments are attached to the implants. These abutments serve as the point of connection with a patient’s dentures or crown.

Mini implant placement is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional implants, and offers a number of benefits for patients who qualify. Mini implants, which are smaller than standard implants, can immediately support a dental prosthetic, and are most often combined with an implant-supported denture. Only local anesthetic is needed during the procedure, which is often complete within two hours.

Bone Grafting

If a patient waits a long time to replace missing teeth, the jaw will begin to lose bone density. A bone graft replaces this lost bone density, creating an adequate foundation for implants. Over a period of a few months, the new bone tissue will fuse to the jaw. If minor bone grafting is all that is needed, this can often be performed at the same time as implant placement. During a consultation, we will determine if a bone graft is necessary.

Bone Grafting: Strengthening the Jaw for Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants are titanium posts embedded in the jaw, providing a secure base for dentures and other restorations. Although implants offer an optimal restorative solution for patients with missing teeth, not everyone is a candidate for the procedure. Some patients lack sufficient jawbone density needed for implants. But bone grafting can restore lost density, making it possible for patients who have experienced jaw atrophy to undergo dental implant surgery. During bone grafting, synthetic bone is placed in weaker areas of the jaw, adding strength and support. Dr. Ricciuti at 4Excellence in Dentistry performs bone grafting surgery at our Long Island office, in addition to placing dental implants. To learn more about your candidacy for implants, or to set up a consultation, contact our office today.

Dental Implant Candidacy and Jawbone Density

Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone that are designed to function like natural tooth roots. Implants are used to support dentures, dental crowns, and bridges, holding them securely in place and helping to prevent the slippage and other problems that can occur with traditional dental appliances.

Substantial pressure is exerted on the jawbone during the simple act of chewing food, so the jaw needs to be strong and stable for implants to function properly. If you have waited a long time to address missing teeth, your jawbone may have lost some density. Some patients with low bone density may be good candidates for mini dental implants, a suitable alternative to standard implants, thus eliminating the need for bone grafting. Mini implants are best for patients who need dentures or a substantial dental bridge. Dr. Ricciuti will conduct a thorough evaluation of your jaw in order to recommend the procedure or combination of procedures that will serve you best.

The Bone Grafting Procedure

Bone grafting increases the strength and density of your jaw using transplanted bone tissue harvested from a stronger section of your jaw or another area of the body, such as the hip. During the procedure, small amounts of bone are transferred to the weakened areas of the jaw, where they will fuse with surrounding tissue. Performed with local anesthesia, bone grafting is a relatively painless procedure.

If extensive grafting is needed, the surgery is performed months prior to placement of your dental implants. In cases requiring only a small amount of grafting, this minor procedure can often be performed at the same time as your implant surgery.

Contact Our Office

Dental implants not only restore function and beauty to your smile – they can also prevent further jaw bone atrophy associated with missing teeth. Trust your care to experts that are highly trained in bone grafting and the placement and restoration of dental implants. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn about whether implants or a bone grafting procedure are right for you. It’s never too soon to begin planning the restoration of a compromised smile.

Understanding the Importance of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth removal is an almost universal experience among teenagers and young adults. Most people do not have enough room in their mouths to accommodate this third set of molars, and as they start to come in, the teeth can cause severe crowding, infection, and inflammation. At 4Excellence in Dentistry, Drs. Lewis Ricciuti, James Albanese, and Jennifer Moore perform gentle wisdom tooth extraction. At our Levittown practice, we offer the latest surgical techniques, as well as safe and effective sedation options to keep you comfortable during treatment. To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction and how you could benefit from this procedure, contact our practice today.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, sometimes called third molars, are located at the very back of your mouth. They typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, although some may have less. On rare occasions, people will never develop wisdom teeth. Typically, your dentist will start to monitor the development of these teeth during childhood. If any problems develop, they can extract your wisdom teeth before they cause significant discomfort or affect the alignment of your other teeth.

Why Extraction Is Important

Extraction is not necessary in all cases. However, like most patients, you may not have room to accommodate wisdom teeth. As they start to come in, they can cause severe crowding, and, in turn, this can affect your smile and your dental function. Crooked teeth are much harder to clean, and a misaligned bite can also lead to serious conditions such as bruxism and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Without enough room in your dental arch, your teeth may come in at an angle, and in some cases, they may be turned completely to the side. This can have serious consequences for your surrounding teeth, as well as your nerves and jawbone. Finally, if you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you will need to have it extracted. Impacted teeth occur when the tooth is not able to come in all the way, and it remains fully or partially covered by bone or gum tissue. Left untreated, impacted teeth can cause infection, lesions, swelling, and pain.

The Extraction Process

The precise steps of your extraction will vary, depending on your oral health and positioning of your wisdom teeth. If the teeth are not impacted, the procedure is similar to any other extraction. Your doctor will first numb the area with local anesthetic. Then he will loosen the tooth, gently moving it back and forth in the socket. When the tooth is loose enough, he can easily lift and remove it from your gums. If one or more of your wisdom teeth are impacted, your dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue, allowing him to access and remove your tooth. In some cases, he may extract the tooth in several pieces to minimize the damage to your soft tissue.

Sedation Options

To ease any anxiety and help you feel comfortable during treatment, we typically perform wisdom tooth extraction using nitrous oxide. This method induces a “twilight sleep.” Although you will technically be awake during your procedure, you will remember little, if anything, about the extraction when the medication wears off. Our doctors will discuss this option with you during your initial consultation.

Schedule Your Appointment

Whether you need wisdom tooth extraction or you simply want to monitor the development of these teeth, our dentists are here to protect your smile. Schedule your appointment at 4Excellence in Dentistry today.