Oral Surgery in Wilkes-Barre, PA

Mint Mini Dental Implants in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, offers expert oral surgery under the trusted leadership of John P. Coolican, DMD, FAGD. As a second-generation dentist who has served residents in North Pennsylvania since 2004, Dr. Coolican is committed to providing you with high-quality dental care using leading technologies and innovative techniques.

From simple cleanings to advanced oral surgeries, we offer an array of services to optimize your dental health and enhance your smile.

When Oral Surgery Is the Best Option

Oral surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures. For some patients, oral surgery is essential to comprehensive dental care.

Oral surgery is an effective solution if your severe tooth decay or infection cannot be treated with a simple root canal. While we prefer to repair your natural tooth whenever possible, your tooth may need to be removed. Tooth extraction is the most common oral surgery. When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, we remove the tooth to prevent further damage and to prepare for subsequent treatment options such as dental implants.

Extraction could also be the best option for treating a fracture below the gum line, placing partial or full dentures, treating partially impacted wisdom teeth, achieving full-mouth reconstruction, or preparing you for orthodontic treatments. If dental trauma or gum disease (periodontitis) is compromising your oral health, tooth extraction may be recommended as part of your treatment plan.

Two Types of Extractions

Extractions are categorized as simple or surgical. Simple tooth extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in your mouth. This procedure relies on a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding area, but other anesthesia options are sometimes used for those with dental anxiety. When teeth are not easily accessible—like with impacted wisdom teeth—Dr. Coolican will perform a surgical extraction which involves making an incision to access the tooth. Because of the more complex nature of the procedure, additional anesthetics may be used.

While oral surgeries are common, we understand that surgery can be stressful, especially if you experience dental anxiety. But your procedure doesn’t have to be a cause for concern. You can trust that Dr. Coolican will take the time to get to know you and explain what you can expect from your procedure in a way that will set you at ease. While tooth extractions can typically be performed using only local anesthesia, we can review other sedation options with you during your consultation.

At Mint Mini Dental Implants, we perform a wide range of surgical treatments to enhance your oral health. Once your teeth are extracted, you can reclaim your smile with mini dental implants. In some cases, your implant can even be placed in the same visit.

At the Forefront of Innovation With Mini Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most long-lasting and dependable option for replacing missing teeth. At Mint Mini Dental Implants, one of the ways we are redefining dental care is through our mini dental implants. While traditional implants have served the dental world well, not all patients are candidates for conventional implants. Mini dental implants offer a host of benefits to restore your smile.

The mini dental implant is a small titanium screw with a ball on one end. An artificial crown snaps onto the ball using a rubber O-ring. Dr. Coolican can place a mini dental implant in one visit, making it the preferred treatment for those looking to achieve a beautiful, natural-looking smile in as little as one hour.

Benefits of Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants have many benefits when compared to larger conventional implants:

  • They are significantly smaller in diameter, requiring less jawbone for placement. This is especially beneficial for those with bone loss who would require a bone graft for traditional implants.
  • The procedure is simpler and less invasive. While your dental needs may be complex, your treatment doesn’t have to be. Mini dental implants don’t require bone grafting or the substantial incisions and drilling associated with traditional implants.
  • Because the procedure is less invasive, you will experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. There’s also no need to care for sutures due to the lack of incisions.
  • Mini dental implants are more cost-effective because they use fewer and smaller parts while eliminating the need for bone grafting.
  • The procedure is quicker. Mini dental implants can be placed in one visit, enabling you to leave your appointment with a new smile. On the other hand, traditional implants require at least two visits with longer periods required for healing.
  • You’ll experience a shorter recovery time with mini dental implants, allowing you to resume your normal activities in 24-48 hours.

Dental implants also preserve bone health and prevent facial collapse. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the root can no longer stimulate the jawbone to encourage the growth of bone cells. This can lead to a receding jawline and facial collapse. Because the mini dental implant acts as a prosthetic root for your tooth, your jawbone remains strong, and your face retains its appearance.

As an experienced implant dentist, Dr. Coolican can customize a dental implant solution for you so that you can quickly regain your smile, enjoy all the foods you love, and communicate with confidence. With mini dental implants, you’ll achieve a brilliant smile without breaking the bank.

Preparing for Your Oral Surgery

At Mint Mini Dental Implants, your health and well-being are our top priority. While tooth extractions are very safe, certain medical conditions might require you to take antibiotics before and after the procedure. Before your surgery, we will discuss your medical history and any medications, vitamins, or supplements you take.

During your appointment, you should wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing contacts or lipstick.

For those needing sedation, you should arrive early for your appointment so the sedative can take effect. You should also prepare to have someone assist you by driving you to and from your appointment.

What Does an Extraction Involve?

Before the procedure begins, Dr. Coolican will administer anesthesia. Then, Dr. Coolican will loosen your tooth and lift it from the socket using specialized instruments. If a surgical extraction is required, he will make a small incision in your gum to access the tooth. Once the tooth is removed, the extraction site is cleaned and disinfected. Depending on your case, stitches might be needed. Afterward, you’ll be instructed to bite on a gauze pad to encourage blood clotting.

How Long Will My Surgery Take?

Procedure times vary depending on the number of teeth that need to be extracted as well as your individual needs. That said, extractions typically take under an hour.

Restorations, like dental implants, will add to the length of your appointment or require a subsequent visit, depending on your specific circumstance.

What Should I Avoid After Surgery?

  • Drinking through straws for the first day after surgery. Using a straw can cause dry sockets by dislodging blood clots.
  • Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first day. These can irritate the extraction site and loosen dental implants.
  • Physical activity for at least the first two days following your procedure. Resting after surgery assists in recovery, whereas an increased heart rate can make bleeding and soreness more likely.
  • Smoking as well as alcohol and drug use. These activities can complicate the healing process.

After your procedure, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to reduce your risk of bleeding, infection, and other complications.

While some swelling or discomfort is normal and will diminish in a few days, contact us if you experience severe pain, pus around the wound, or a fever of 100.4 °F or higher.

Oral Surgery Aftercare

You can expect to be on the road to recovery quickly with Dr. Coolican’s minimally invasive techniques. Of course, the rate at which you heal will depend on your health before surgery, your oral hygiene practices, and the surgery you undergo. Recovery from a mini dental implant typically takes 1-2 days before you can comfortably return to school or work, whereas wisdom tooth extraction can take 2-3 days.

As you heal from an extraction, be sure to care for the extraction site. While you should avoid brushing the wound directly until Dr. Coolican indicates it’s safe to do so, you should continue your oral care routine as normal, including brushing and flossing the other areas of your mouth. To ensure your wound heals properly, use an antimicrobial mouthwash two to three times a day.

Dr. Coolican recommends a soft diet after oral surgery, including applesauce, rice, eggs, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Eating smaller meals and snacks can also help to deter irritation and minimize discomfort. You can gradually return to eating your favorite foods as long as it feels comfortable to do so.

Dr. Coolican may prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers to manage your healing. These should be taken exactly as prescribed. If soreness or swelling persists, ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help.

Trust Dr. John P. Coolican to Treat You

Your oral health is an integral part of your overall well-being. If you think you may need to have a tooth removed or are looking to replace your missing tooth with a mini dental implant, we invite you to contact us. As a pioneer in oral health with decades of experience, Dr. Coolican has transformed the lives of thousands in the Northern Pennsylvania region. You can trust Dr. Coolican to provide comprehensive, innovative, and compassionate oral care.

At Mint Mini Dental Implants in Wilkes-Barre, PA, we believe in the power of personalized care. Schedule your free consultation with us today to discuss a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.