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Crystal Lake, IL
Everything you need to know about wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and oral surgery at Lehman & Menis in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. Most jaws do not have enough room for them, which can lead to impaction, crowding, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth. Early removal prevents these complications and usually means a faster, easier recovery.
Not all wisdom tooth problems are painful. Teeth can silently shift neighboring molars, form cysts, or create infection-prone pockets without any symptoms. A consultation with panoramic X-rays lets our surgeons evaluate what is happening beneath the surface and give you a personalized recommendation.
The mid-to-late teen years are generally ideal, as roots are smaller and less developed, making removal easier and recovery faster. Adults of any age can also have wisdom teeth successfully removed, and our surgeons will recommend the right timing based on your X-rays and individual situation.
For simple, fully erupted teeth, a general dentist may perform the extraction. For impacted teeth, complex cases, or any procedure requiring sedation beyond local anesthesia, an oral surgeon is the right specialist. Dr. Lehman and Dr. Menis completed four-plus years of hospital-based surgical training and are certified to administer all levels of anesthesia.
During the procedure, you should feel no pain, as your surgeon will confirm you are completely comfortable before beginning. Post-operatively, some soreness and swelling are normal and typically manageable with ibuprofen, Tylenol, or a prescription if needed.
Wisdom teeth removal typically takes about 60 minutes. Most patients feel significantly better within three to five days and return to normal activities within a week. You will follow a soft-food diet, use ice packs to reduce swelling, and avoid straws to help prevent dry socket.
Dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot at an extraction site is dislodged, exposing the bone and causing increased pain around days three to five. Avoid straws, smoking, and forceful spitting, and follow all post-op instructions closely. If you suspect dry socket, call our office, as it is easily treated.
Cost depends on the number of teeth, complexity, anesthesia choice, and your insurance coverage. After your consultation and X-rays, we will provide a clear estimate and help you maximize your insurance benefits. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation.
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. Over several weeks, it fuses with the bone through osseointegration, forming a permanent foundation for a custom crown. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants replace the entire tooth, root and all, helping preserve jawbone density and facial structure.
Most adults in good general health who are missing one or more teeth are candidates. Even patients with significant bone loss may qualify for bone grafting, a procedure our surgeons routinely perform. A consultation with 3D CBCT imaging will determine the right plan for your individual anatomy.
The process begins with a consultation and 3D scan. During surgery, Dr. Lehman places the implant post into the jawbone and stitches the site closed. After a healing period, your restorative dentist places the permanent crown. A single implant takes 30 to 60 minutes, while multiple implants may take 1 to 3 hours.
With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, a dental implant can last a lifetime. The implant post is permanent once it is fused to the jawbone. The crown on top may eventually need replacement after many years, as natural teeth do over time.
Yes. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch. Full-arch restoration uses multiple strategically placed implant posts to support a fixed prosthesis, permanently replacing removable dentures with a stable, natural-looking smile.
Implants are permanently fixed, do not slip or cause sore spots, and stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone loss. Patients can eat without restrictions and consistently report improved confidence. Unlike dentures, implants do not need periodic replacement, making them a better long-term investment for most patients.
Surgery is performed under anesthesia, and most patients choose IV sedation, so there is no pain during the procedure. Most patients find recovery quite manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and describe the experience as easier than expected. Detailed post-op instructions guide you through each stage of healing.
Cost depends on the number of implants, whether bone grafting or extractions are needed, anesthesia choice, and insurance coverage. We will provide a clear estimate after your consultation and work to maximize your insurance benefits. Call our office to discuss your specific situation.
Full-arch restoration permanently replaces an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using multiple implant posts supporting a fixed prosthesis. It is the ideal solution for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in an arch, or those seeking a permanent alternative to removable dentures.
Bone grafting restores volume in a jaw that has deteriorated from tooth loss, infection, or injury, making implant placement possible where bone would otherwise be insufficient. It is a routine procedure at our practice that allows many patients who were previously told they were not implant candidates to successfully receive implants.
We always aim to preserve natural teeth. General tooth extraction is recommended when a tooth is severely damaged by decay or trauma, infected beyond the reach of other treatments, or causing overcrowding that cannot be addressed otherwise. Our surgeons discuss all options with you before proceeding.
Impacted canines are teeth trapped beneath the gum or bone that fail to erupt properly. Rather than extracting them, our surgeons use an expose-and-bond procedure in collaboration with your orthodontist, surgically uncovering the tooth and attaching a bracket so it can be guided into its correct position over time.
Local Anesthesia: A numbing injection used in all oral surgeries. Eliminates sensation in the treatment area. Used alone or alongside other sedation options.
Nitrous Oxide: Inhaled laughing gas with mild calming and pain-relieving effects. A safe, well-established option typically combined with local anesthesia.
IV Sedation: Produces a deeply relaxed twilight state with little to no memory of the procedure. A responsible adult driver is required after your appointment.
General Anesthesia: Induces full unconsciousness for complex procedures. Requires fasting for 8 hours prior and a responsible adult to drive and accompany you home.
Your surgeon will discuss all anesthesia options at your consultation, factoring in your anxiety level, medical history, and procedure type. The goal is to ensure you feel completely safe and comfortable, and there is no single right answer for every patient.
Many patients choose IV sedation, which produces a deep twilight state with little to no memory of the procedure, often described as being put to sleep. General anesthesia is also available when appropriate. Both are routinely and safely administered in our Crystal Lake office.
You must not eat or drink anything, except for prescribed medications, with a small sip of water, for at least 8 hours before your procedure. A responsible adult must drive you to and from the office and remain with you for 24 hours. Full pre-op instructions will be provided when you schedule.
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you if receiving sedation, follow all fasting instructions, wear comfortable clothing, and disclose all current medications to your surgeon in advance. Detailed pre-op instructions are provided at the time of scheduling.
You will rest in our recovery area before being escorted to your vehicle. Expect some grogginess, soreness, mild swelling, and light bleeding, all of which are normal. Ice packs applied to the jaw in intervals help manage swelling, and our team is available by phone with any questions throughout your recovery.
Call us if you experience bleeding that will not slow with gentle pressure, pain worsening after the first few days, or signs of infection such as increasing swelling, fever, or unusual discharge. We would rather hear from you early.
3D CBCT produces detailed three-dimensional images of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and sinuses, providing a complete view of your anatomy that traditional 2D X-rays simply cannot. This enables more precise implant planning, accurate bone-volume assessment, and better identification of impacted teeth, resulting in safer, more predictable outcomes.
Yes. CBCT imaging uses a very low level of radiation, comparable to traditional dental X-rays. The scan is quick, non-invasive, and performed right in our office. It is recommended when indicated, particularly for implant placement, bone grafting, and impacted tooth evaluation.
We are located at 850 Munshaw Lane, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, serving patients throughout McHenry County, including Algonquin, Cary, Elgin, McHenry, Barrington, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, and Huntley. Call us at (815) 459-7400.
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Wednesday and Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Closed weekends. Call (815) 459-7400 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Gregory A. Lehman and Dr. Michael A. Menis are oral and maxillofacial surgeons who founded their practice in Crystal Lake in 1996. Both completed hospital-based residency training in surgery and anesthesiology. Dr. Lehman specializes in dental implant placement, and both surgeons perform the full range of oral surgery procedures with a strong focus on patient comfort and exceptional outcomes.
Many patients are referred by their general dentist or orthodontist, but a referral is not always required. You are welcome to contact our office directly to request a consultation. If your dentist provided a referral, bring it along with any X-rays or records they have supplied.
Bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any X-rays or referral information from your dentist. You can also complete your patient registration form online through our website before your appointment.
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