Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Adam Abel is a dual-degree board certified Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. Connecticut born and raised, he completed his dental training and earned a DMD degree from UConn School of Dental Medicine in Farmington, graduating with several awards for academic excellence. He completed a six-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical center, earning an MD degree from Cornell University as an advanced-standing medical student. He completed additional specialized training in anesthesiology and general surgery to further supplement the comprehensive management of his patients. Dr. Abel practices the full scope of the specialty, including jaw realignment and reconstructive surgery, facial trauma, TMJ surgery, and management of oral pathology. He is a resident educator, working with Oral and Maxillofacial surgery residents as a teacher and mentor.
Dr. Abel brings a caring and personalized approach to patient care. He believes in open communication and dialogue with his patients, educating them on treatment options and expectations, and guiding them through the surgical and healing phases. He welcomes the opportunity to break down fear of treatment in his patients, addressing an individual’s goals of treatment while working tirelessly to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Dr. Abel works closely with his patients to understand their history and expectations, in order to select the proper surgical and anesthetic plans for optimal outcome.
In Hamden, he offers expert skill in management of routine and complex impacted wisdom teeth, surgical extractions, dental implants, and bone grafting procedures. He regularly performs same-day immediate implant placement and provides full mouth implant rehabilitation (Teeth in a Day, or All-On-4 concepts). When a patient requires bone grafting for ideal outcome, Dr. Abel provides socket preservation and guided bone regeneration when appropriate.
Working directly with Dr. Scott Pearl at Pearl Dental Care allows Dr. Adam Abel to incorporate the newest digital technology to patient care, including complex treatment planning, on-site 3D printing and milling, same-day implant crown placement, and in-office design and placement of single tooth or full mouth implant restorations.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
We manage all types of wisdom teeth extractions including partial and full bony impactions. Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if there is pain, infection, decay, or the risk of such conditions.
Dental Implants
We use the latest technologies and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. From digital x-rays to 3D imaging, we have invested in the tools and equipment necessary to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. With 3D printing technology we fabricate surgical guides for dental implants that our oral surgeon uses for the highest precision. The implant prosthetics we make are beautiful and function like real teeth. Implant crowns, bridges, and dentures are made by Dr. Scott Pearl.
Teeth in a day/ All on X
For patients with no teeth or hopeless teeth we can transform a mouth in one visit. Whether teeth have to be extracted or are already missing we can place 4+ dental implants in each jaw and deliver screw retained prostheses that stay in place. The difference between a floppy conventional denture and an implant fixed denture is life changing. After about 4 months of healing final prostheses are made. Dr. Scott Pearl uses an all digital workflow to create beautiful Zirconia fixed implant dentures/ bridges.
Extractions and Bone Grafting
Removing of teeth whether they are simple or complex should be planned and treated with the future in mind. We offer various bone grafting procedures that prepare the extracted areas for future dental implants. By having plentiful and healthy bone the areas with missing teeth can benefit from long lasting implants. Oral surgeons are experts in extractions and bone grafting. We see both children and adults.
Dental Anesthesiology
Expertise in Dental Sedation
We offer dental anesthesia for oral surgery if needed. Unlike most offices, we only use a board certified dental anesthesiologist for our anesthesia services. By having a dental anesthesiologist perform the sedation, oral surgeon Dr. Abel can focus on the surgery while Dr. Barton can focus on the anesthesia. The separation of duties is the safest and equivalent to a hospital operating room level of care.
All necessary equipment for general anesthesia is available for the highest level of safety and care. Dental anesthesia options range from local anesthetic to nitrous oxide to moderate sedation to full general anesthesia. We provide sedation for children, adults, and anyone with special needs. Dental sedation is available for any oral surgery procedure including wisdom teeth extractions and dental implants.
We understand that visiting the dentist can be a stressful experience for many people. That’s why we strive to create a warm and welcoming environment that puts our patients at ease. We take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have, and we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Many wisdom teeth can be safely maintained in place if they are cleansable and contribute to chewing. Impacted wisdom teeth may be recommended for removal if they are difficult to brush and floss, because food debris, plaque, and bacteria can cause cavities, gum disease, bone loss, pain, swelling, or infection. Untreated impacted wisdom teeth can also endanger the health of the adjacent teeth. Other wisdom teeth can traumatize gums or cheeks causing chronic pain. Dr. Abel gives a personalized and comprehensive assessment based on your teeth, jaws, medical records, and symptom history.
When is the ideal age for wisdom tooth removal?
Wisdom tooth evaluation is part of the comprehensive dental care of teenagers and adults. Beginning around age 16, it may be apparent that wisdom teeth will be impacted and not erupt properly. Late teenage years are ideal before root development is complete. Wisdom teeth are often removed for preventive reasons from the late teens through 20s. In older patients, wisdom teeth may be removed for cavities, periodontal disease, pain, or infection. Dr. Abel’s oldest wisdom tooth patient to date was 99 years old!
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium anchors surgically placed in bone in order to recreate missing teeth. Depending on an individual patient’s needs, implants can be used in singular or combined fashion, and can replace single teeth, multiple spanned teeth, or a full arch (upper or lower) of teeth. Following healing, implants are the foundation for customized tooth replacements – crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Is a dental implant the best option for a missing tooth?
The options for replacing a missing tooth include a removable denture, a fixed bridge, or a dental implant. In a healthy patient with good bone an implant is usually the most natural solution as it looks realistic, stays in place, and doesn’t require manipulation to your other teeth.
I want to transition from dentures to implants. What options are available for me?
For patients living with partial or complete dentures, dental implants may offer an option to improve cosmetics, speech, taste, chewing, and eliminate the need for denture adhesives to secure loose dentures. Depending on your individual goals and needs, you may be a candidate for an implant-supported overdenture or a fixed denture. Overdentures attach in stable fashion to implants and are removed by the patient to clean. Fixed dentures stay in place and are only removed in the dental office. Both permit confident chewing and a happy smile.
Following tooth extraction, how long will implant treatment take?
This depends on several factors, including health and amount of available bone. Following a tooth removal, a site is traditionally grafted and allowed to recuperate for several months before implant placement. The implant needs to integrate (heal to bone) for an additional period of time before it can be restored with a new permanent crown. With this protocol, patients can have final implant crowns in 6-8 months. In some instances, Dr. Abel can perform same-day immediate implant placement at the time of tooth extraction, saving treatment time and allowing the patient to have a single recovery. This may reduce treatment time by half, and spare the patient a second surgery and recovery.
Post Operative Instructions Following Oral Surgery
