At Willamette Valley Periodontics in Wilsonville, Dr. Graser provides a comprehensive selection of oral surgical procedures with a focus on precision, patient comfort, and the best outcomes for your long-term oral health. As a highly experienced periodontist, Dr. Graser possesses extensive training in surgical procedures within and around the mouth and jaw, specializing in the intricate relationship between the gums, bone, and teeth.
Why Choose a Periodontist for Your Oral Surgery?
Periodontists are dental specialists who undergo years of additional training beyond dental school, focusing specifically on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, as well as the placement of dental implants. They are experts in procedures involving the supporting structures of the teeth and are skilled in utilizing the least invasive techniques to achieve the best possible results. Dr. Graser's expertise ensures you receive specialized care tailored to the delicate nature of your periodontal health.
Before any oral surgery, Dr. Graser and our experienced team will provide a thorough exam, discuss appropriate sedation options, and utilize the latest imaging technologies and treatment tools to ensure a comfortable and effective surgical experience. Our top surgical procedures in Wilsonville include:
Periodontal Regeneration
When periodontal disease requires more than a deep cleaning, surgical interventions like pocket reduction surgery (osseous surgery) are offered to help reshape gum and bone and eliminate deep bacterial pockets. Our periodontist offers specialized regenerative procedures using advanced techniques like bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and growth factors such as PRF to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Our periodontal regeneration methods at Willamette Valley Periodontics are always personalized to the patient, designed to restore the structures damaged by periodontal disease.
Dental Extractions
When a tooth is severely decayed, extensively damaged, or impacted (unable to erupt properly), a tooth extraction may be the necessary next step to preserve your oral health. Dr. Graser will review X-rays and advanced imaging to assess the tooth's condition and the surrounding structures. We prioritize your comfort and will discuss all available sedation options to ensure a calm and pain-free procedure.
Sinus Lift Surgery
A successful dental implant restoration requires adequate bone volume in the jaw. In cases where the upper jaw bone is insufficient due to bone loss (often after tooth loss or due to sinus expansion), a sinus lift procedure can create the needed space by adding bone volume. During this procedure, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the sinus cavity. The sinus membrane is then gently lifted, creating a space into which bone grafting material is placed. This new bone will integrate over time, providing a strong and stable foundation for future dental implants.
Gingivectomy & Esthetic Crown Lengthening
A gingivectomy is a precise surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess or diseased gum tissue. This procedure is typically performed to treat gum disease by reducing or eliminating periodontal pockets that can trap plaque and bacteria, leading to further infection. Gingivectomies also help to remove diseased tissue, promoting healthier gums. Dr. Graser can utilize either traditional surgical techniques or laser dentistry to perform gingivectomies, tailoring the approach to your specific needs for optimal results.
Esthetic crown lengthening reshapes both the gums and underlying bone to reveal more of the natural tooth structure to reveal a beautiful, balanced smile.
Gum Grafts (Soft Tissue Grafts)
A gum graft, or soft tissue graft, is a crucial surgical procedure used to repair receding gums or to protect dental roots that have become exposed due to gum loss. Exposed roots are highly susceptible to decay, increased sensitivity to hot and cold, and further bone loss.
A gum graft involves carefully removing healthy tissue from another part of your mouth (often the roof of your mouth) or utilizing a donor source, and then meticulously attaching it to the areas of recession. Gum grafts not only cover exposed roots but can also strengthen the existing gums, providing a more robust foundation before procedures such as placing dental crowns or dental implants.
Bone Grafts
Periodontal disease, tooth loss, and trauma can lead to bone loss and jawbone deterioration, often leaving patients without enough bone height to support a dental implant. Bone grafting procedures at our Willamette periodontal office involve adding bone material (either from the patient's own body or from a donor) to augment the jawbone, restore lost volume to the face, and create a strong foundation for the successful placement of dental implants.
Frenectomy
Our Wilsonville periodontal office performs frenectomies for patients experiencing a tongue-tie or lip-tie. A frenum (or frenulum) is a piece of soft tissue that connects two parts of the mouth. When these tissues restrict the movement and function of the lips or tongue, a fast, gentle frenectomy procedure is often recommended to help.
A frenectomy will often address the lingual frenum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (often referred to as "tongue-tie"), or the labial frenum, which connects the upper lip to the gum above the front teeth. If the frenums are too short or too thick, they can restrict proper speech, hinder tongue movement, and interfere with proper feeding and development in infants. A frenectomy is a quick, precise surgical procedure designed to release or remove the restrictive tissue. This is typically performed with a soft-tissue laser to minimize discomfort and promote rapid healing.
Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation in Wilsonville
If you are looking for an experienced and compassionate doctor specializing in periodontal procedures, Dr. Graser at Willamette Valley Periodontics in Wilsonville is here to help. We invite you to contact us today to book your consultation and discuss your specific oral surgery needs. Our team is ready to provide you with personalized care and guide you through every step of your treatment journey.
