Advanced Oral Surgery from a Top Dental Expert
Jacksonville Dentist Dr. Lysandro Tapnio offers a full range of procedures, including dental extraction, implant surgery, bone grafting, and sinus lifts. After a careful evaluation, Dr. Tapnio will determine the most appropriate treatment for you. At the same time, he takes a conservative approach and will never recommend surgery unless it is truly in your best interests. Our practice is equipped with advanced tools, including digital x-rays and soft tissue lasers. With these instruments and Dr. Tapnio’s skill, we can make your oral surgery easier, faster, and more comfortable.
Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Removal
Through our full range of restorative treatments, Dr. Tapnio can often save even severely damaged teeth. However, in some cases, extraction may be the most effective choice. For example, he may recommend extraction if:
- A tooth is causing severe crowding
- You have an extensive cavity or a serious dental infection
- You have crack that extends down to your root
- Your child has a stubborn baby tooth
In addition to removing compromised teeth, Dr. Tapnio also performs wisdom tooth extraction. In many cases, extraction is a simple process that simply involves loosening the tooth and lifting it from the socket. In other cases, however, Dr. Tapnio may have to perform a surgical extraction, particularly if you have an impacted tooth. He uses very gentle techniques. Therefore, you should experience minimal discomfort.
Implant Placement
Dr. Tapnio provides full dental implant services, including both placement and restoration. Implants are tooth root replacements made of titanium, which will support a crown, bridge, or denture. Dr. Tapnio can surgically place one ore more implants in your jawbone. He will use advanced imaging to find the most suitable positions for each one. Once in place, the biocompatible titanium will integrate with your bone tissue, and. Tapnio can attach abutment pieces and a custom-designed restoration. Most dentists and oral surgeons consider implants to be the top method of tooth replacement because they are durable, strong, and with proper care can last the rest of your life. Prosthetic teeth fixed on implants blend seamlessly with your nearby teeth and function like normal teeth. Dental implants stimulate the surrounding bone tissue of the jaw so bone recession is eliminated and your facial structure is preserved.
Bone Grafting and Socket Preservation
After you lose a tooth, your bone tissue will start to recede. This can cause numerous oral health problems, including exposure of your dental roots, difficulty wearing removable dentures, and a changed appearance. Bone loss can also limit your ability to receive dental implants. Fortunately, Dr. Tapnio can preserve your health and smile with bone grafting. He will take a sample of bone tissue from another area, or he may use an alternate biocompatible material. After creating a tiny incision in your gums, he will use small metal posts to anchor the block of bone tissue in place. The new tissue will then integrate with your jaw. Socket preservation is a similar procedure. Dr. Tapnio will place a tissue sample over the area where you recently had a tooth removed. This can often prevent jawbone recession following extraction. Both procedures can also create a stable base for dental implants.
Sinus Lifts (or Sinus Augmentation)
A bone graft between the jawbone and a maxillary sinus (on either side of your nose) is called a sinus lift or sinus augmentation. When needed, Dr. Tapnio can increase bone in the area of premolar or molar teeth by filling in a bit of the sinus cavity with bone tissue.
Soft Tissue Surgeries
Dr. Tapnio performs laser dentistry to perform several types of gum surgery. He offers periodontal procedures to improve both your oral health and your appearance. For example, he can remove tissue that has been lost to gum disease during a gingivectomy. With a frenectomy, he can remove excess skin from between your two front teeth or under your tongue. In this way, he can eliminate gaps in your smile or address speech impediments. Other functional gum surgeries include crown lengthening and the exposure of impacted teeth. Laser gum contouring is a common procedure during which Dr. Tapnio will expose more of your teeth or create an even gum line. Following this treatment, you could enjoy a bigger, more youthful smile.
Our surgical lasers are very precise. Therefore, Dr. Tapnio can remove very small amounts of tissue to achieve the exact results you desire. In addition, laser procedures will result in minimal discomfort because the high-energy light seals the tissue as it cuts. Finally, laser treatments are virtually risk free since the high energy will eradicate bacteria. Even though laser surgery is less painful than traditional surgery, Dr. Tapnio will make sure you are fully numbed with a powerful local anesthetic prior to any surgical procedure.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Dr. Tapnio has nearly 40 years of experience performing oral surgery, and he has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education. To benefit from his expertise and advanced technology, contact our office today.