Wilmington Oral Surgery

10/19/2026

Dental bone grafting is an oral surgical process of creating a graft at the site of the deterioration that spurs the body to create new, healthy bone tissue where it is needed most. Learn more here.

Dental bone graft surgery is a surgical process to strengthen your jawbone to allow for dental implants or prevent further tooth loss. Here’s how to prepare.

10/16/2026

In the pursuit of the perfect smile, a common question arises: Can dental implants undergo the same whitening process as natural teeth? Furthermore, what’s the best and healthiest way to achieve a dazzling, pearly-white smile?

Discover how dental implants and natural teeth can achieve a seamless white smile. Explore professional and at-home whitening options for optimal results.

10/14/2026

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, located in the back of the mouth. They emerge for most people between the ages of 17 and 25. Because most of our mouths don’t have enough room for them, wisdom teeth tend to come in wrong. Sometimes they don’t even “come in” at all, because they get stuck below the gums, referred to as impacted wisdom teeth.

What should you expect when you have your wisdom teeth out? How to prepare for wisdom teeth removal and what to expect from the recovery process.

10/12/2026

We’re an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice so we specialize mostly in the teeth, gums, jaw, and sinuses. But what do all the other guys do? Here’s a rundown of the 8 different oral health doctors and what they do.

Dentists and oral surgeons get thrown into an umbrella category when you say you're "going to the dentist," but there are actually multiple types of dentistry.

10/09/2026

There are several ways to replace a tooth, but among them, dental implant surgery offers the most benefits. And luckily, there are different types of dental implants that allow patients across a spectrum of health to get dental implants.

Cosmetic dental implants are artificial teeth surgically drilled into your jawbone. They look and work just like your natural teeth, restoring your smile.

10/07/2026

There’s a whole sub-field of psychology dedicated to smiles: how they affect others and how they affect the self. Duchenne smiles increase activity in the region of our brain associated with positive affect. People can visually tell the difference between a Duchenne and other types of smiles.

What’s in a smile? Way more than white teeth! Our smile impacts on our mental and physical health, and quality of life. Learn about the psychology of smiling.

10/05/2026

The crown is the portion of the tooth that sits above the gum line. In wisdom teeth, we usually see just a bit of it start to erupt, which is how an oral surgeon knows it’s time to take wisdom teeth out. Read on to get the details on the anatomy of wisdom teeth.

What’s so special about wisdom teeth? Get the details on the anatomy of wisdom teeth, what they’re for, and why your oral surgeon recommends removing them.

10/02/2026

Missing a tooth or multiple teeth? Dental implants can restore a smile — not just good as new, but better than ever before. Learn more here.

Getting a well-constructed dental implant can make a huge difference in your smile if you're missing a tooth, plus it's a fairly straightforward process.

10/01/2026

Missing teeth can lead to bone loss, but bone grafting restores jaw strength and volume, creating the perfect foundation for dental implants. At Wilmington Oral Surgery, Dr. Puckett uses advanced techniques to ensure a safe and effective solution for your smile.

09/29/2026

Oral pathologies can be congenital (present at birth), or acquired (a result of illness/injury). Whether the oral disease was brought on by genetics, illness or facial trauma, Dr. Puckett is experienced at treating oral pathologies in the pediatric, adult and geriatric populations.

While a vast majority of oral lesions are benign and may not need a biopsy, if one is needed, a 3-D X-ray may be obtained to assist with a diagnosis.