Oral Surgery in Scranton, PA
Oral surgery serves a clear and meaningful purpose: to repair, relieve, and restore. These three principles shape every procedure, guiding treatment toward long-term oral health. Repair focuses on rebuilding and strengthening damaged structures. Relief targets discomfort by addressing infection, pressure, or inflammation that interferes with daily life. Restore brings these steps together, returning balance and function so your mouth can move and heal as it’s meant to.
Each treatment is a step toward renewal. From replacing missing teeth to improving jaw alignment or treating infection, oral surgery helps your body recover its natural strength and stability. It is an essential part of maintaining a healthy, complete smile that looks whole, feels strong, and supports your overall well-being.
What Is Oral Surgery?
When we refer to oral surgery, we are talking about procedures that treat conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaws. These treatments go beyond routine dental care and are used when an issue cannot be solved with cleanings, fillings, or other general procedures.
We often recommend oral surgery to remove damaged tissue, replace missing teeth, correct jaw problems, or rebuild areas that have lost bone or support. The goal is to restore normal function, reduce discomfort, and protect long-term oral health. Common reasons for oral surgery include removing an infected tooth, placing a dental implant, or preparing the jaw for future treatment.
These procedures help keep the essential parts of your mouth working properly. When something is out of alignment or damaged, it can affect your ability to chew, speak, or maintain a healthy bite. Oral surgery addresses these problems directly and helps bring the mouth back into balance.
Exploring Oral Surgery Treatments
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, whether due to decay, trauma, or infection, Dr. Hazzouri may recommend an extraction to protect your oral health. Removing the affected tooth helps prevent further complications. However, not all tooth extractions are the same. The method Dr. Hazzouri uses depends on how accessible the tooth is and the extent of the damage.
A simple extraction is performed when the tooth is fully visible above the gumline. In this case, Dr. Hazzouri uses local anesthesia to numb the area, then gently loosens and removes the tooth using specialized instruments. Since no incisions are needed, this type of extraction is generally quick and straightforward.
A surgical extraction, on the other hand, is needed when the tooth is not easily reachable. This can occur if a tooth has broken at the gumline, is impacted, or must be removed in smaller sections. Surgical extractions involve creating a small opening in the gum and may also require removing a small amount of bone to access the tooth. Because of their complexity, these procedures are often done with additional sedation to ensure comfort.
Dental Implants
When a tooth is missing, its impact extends below the gumline and into the underlying bone. Many patients are unaware that replacing the visible portion of the tooth alone is not enough to protect long-term oral health. The loss of a tooth root has a direct impact on the stability and structure of the mouth.
Without the root in place, the surrounding jawbone no longer receives the natural stimulation it needs to maintain strength and density. As the bone begins to shrink, nearby teeth can drift out of position, gum tissue may recede, and bone density in the jaw can gradually diminish. Over time, these changes can lead to shifting teeth, sensitivity, and even a sunken or aged appearance in the face.
Dental implants address these issues at their source. We place these small titanium posts into the jawbone, where they act as artificial roots. The surrounding bone responds by healing around the implants and bonding to them. This natural integration process creates a durable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture, restoring the full function of the original tooth.
Mini Dental Implants
At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Scranton, we offer both traditional and mini dental implants, allowing patients to receive care that aligns with their health, anatomy, and treatment goals.
Traditional implants average 5 millimeters in diameter, while mini dental implants are smaller, measuring less than 3 millimeters.
Mini dental implants provide a practical alternative for patients who prefer a simpler and more accessible treatment. Their smaller size and efficient placement process offer several benefits compared to traditional implants. Because of these advantages, we often recommend mini implants to patients seeking a stable and effective way to replace missing teeth.
The benefits of mini dental implants include:
- A less invasive procedure
- Reduced post-operative discomfort
- Shorter healing time
- Fewer required appointments
- Greater accessibility for patients with bone loss
Bone Grafting
When the jawbone lacks the volume or density needed to support a dental implant, we may recommend a bone graft. This procedure helps restore the shape and strength of the jaw by adding bone material to areas where it has weakened or receded.
The jawbone may begin to deteriorate as a result of tooth loss, gum disease, or damage caused by trauma. If too much bone is lost, placing a dental implant becomes difficult without first rebuilding the area.
A bone graft provides the support needed for a secure and lasting implant. The material used in the graft may come from the patient’s own body, a donor source, animal bone, or a synthetic substitute. Once placed, the graft encourages the body to generate new bone tissue in the area. This gradual process strengthens the jaw and prepares it for future treatment.
Sinus Lifts
When planning for dental implants in the upper back jaw, one common challenge is the limited amount of bone available. This area, located near the sinus cavities, often lacks the height needed to securely hold an implant. In these cases, we may perform a sinus lift to help prepare the site for treatment.
During a sinus lift, we increase bone volume in the upper jaw by carefully raising the sinus floor. First, we make a small opening in the gum to access the sinus membrane. Then, we gently lift the membrane to create space for bone graft material to be placed beneath. Over time, the body forms new bone in the area, increasing the height and density of the jawbone.
This added support allows for the secure placement of dental implants where there otherwise would not be enough bone.
Learn How Oral Surgery Can Improve Your Health
If you’re experiencing tooth loss, jaw pain, or bone loss, oral surgery can help you regain comfort and function. At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Scranton, Dr. Hazzouri, Dr. Genello, and Dr. Knott combine skill and precision to deliver care that supports your long-term oral health. Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you restore stability and renew your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, removing a tooth can relieve pain when the tooth is the source of the problem. If the pain is caused by deep decay, an abscess, or severe damage, extraction removes the problem tooth and allows healing to begin. Many patients notice relief soon after the procedure, although some soreness is normal during recovery, and any infection may still require additional treatment.
After oral surgery, you’ll receive clear instructions from us about when and what you can eat. Most patients can begin with soft, cool foods shortly after the procedure. Options like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes are gentle on the surgical area and easy to manage while your mouth heals.
As you recover, you can slowly reintroduce your regular foods based on your comfort level and our guidance.
The exact recovery time will depend on the extent of the procedure. However, most people start to feel like themselves in about one week. During this time, you may experience swelling and discomfort that can be managed with cold compresses and pain relievers.
You’ll be given thorough post-operative guidelines designed to facilitate efficient healing. By following these instructions diligently, you can contribute to a smoother and more efficient recovery process.
No two treatment plans are identical, and neither are their costs. The investment involved depends on the nature of your procedure, its complexity, and any additional care that may be recommended along the way. What you can count on is a thorough, unhurried conversation during your free consultation, where we’ll walk you through every aspect of your plan, including cost, insurance coverage, and financing options for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Our doctors believe that exceptional care should be accessible. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and work with you to find a path forward that fits your life and your budget.
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