Dental Implants

Dental implants represent the "state of the art" in dental technology, making it possible to restore the mouth as closely as possible to its natural state and eliminating the need to cut down adjacent teeth for bridgework.

Implants have enhanced the quality of life for thousands of people throughout the world, including the patients featured here, improving overall health and well being and restoring the confidence that comes from a natural smile and appearance.

Read Dr. Wheeler's article: Treatment Timing and Early Loading Protocols

If you are missing teeth, Dr. Wheeler will thoroughly evaluate your situation to determine if you are a candidate. If you qualify, dental implants are usually the preferred, superior method of tooth replacement.

To request additional information about implants from the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness (IDIA) via email click here.
Back to top

Other Surgical Procedures

Bone Preservation and Augmentation

Many times due to progressive disease, infection or trauma, bone and soft tissue are lost in areas around the teeth. This process is accelerated when teeth are removed and nothing is done to replace the stimulation that a tooth root provides to preserve the jawbone. This is extremely prevalent in the front of the upper jaw where bone loss and shrinking gum tissue can be seen when we smile.

Placement of dental implants prevents the defect that would normally develop when teeth are missing. And, there are techniques to replace bone and gum tissue in areas where it has been lost. Depending on the size of the defect, and the location within the mouth, this can be done easily in the office, often at the same time as placement of dental implants.
Back to top

Surgical Removal of Teeth

Many simple extractions can be performed by a general dentist. However, since an oral surgeon has special training, dentists will usually refer patients for the removal of damaged, impacted, or severely decayed teeth, including wisdom teeth. Patients who would be more comfortable receiving sedation or general anesthesia during surgical procedures are usually referred to an oral surgeon.
Back to top

Surgical Removal of Wisdom Teeth

Very few people have the space for their third molars (wisdom teeth) and most people do not need these teeth to function properly. Wisdom teeth will often be impacted in the bone, preventing the normal eruption process (pushing through the gum tissue). Most dentists will recommend extraction of wisdom teeth to prevent problems such as crowding of other teeth, which can be a serious problem with orthodontics, and possible infection.
Back to top

Oral Diseases and Infections

Cancer screening and biopsy of questionable tissue is a routine part of the practice. Fortunately, bones and soft tissues damaged by oral cancer can be repaired or reconstructed surgically.  Dr. Wheeler also treats infections in the mouth, jaw and neck.
Back to top

Anesthesia and Pain Relief

For your comfort, surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, fully awake; under general anesthesia, fully asleep; or with light sedation combined with local anesthesia. Dr. Wheeler is well known for kind and compassionate management of the apprehensive patient, particularly children and adolescents. Our staff is highly trained and certified in outpatient anesthesia and the office has modern operating rooms with state of the art monitoring equipment to allow for safe anesthesia delivery.
Back to top