Welcome to our brand new periodontal practice in Wilsonville, OR! Just like you'll find at our original McMinnville, OR location, for Willamette Valley Periodontics in Wilsonville, your long-lasting gum health is our primary focus. When periodontal disease (gum disease) emerges, our care extends beyond simply addressing the infection. Our skilled periodontist and team are committed to helping you achieve and maintain your best oral health and brightest smile.
At Willamette Valley Periodontics, our comprehensive approach to periodontal treatment spans a spectrum of therapies, from foundational cleanings to advanced regenerative procedures. Each treatment is precisely designed to halt disease progression, restore damage, and preserve your natural teeth, with each procedure customized to your individual needs for a comfortable, effective path to a healthier smile.
What is Periodontal Regeneration?
When periodontitis has caused the destruction of bone and supporting tissues around your teeth, periodontal regeneration offers the opportunity to reverse some of this damage. Unlike conventional treatments that mainly aim to stop disease progression and reduce pockets, regenerative procedures at our Wilsonville, OR practice are designed to regrow lost bone and tissue.
We achieve regeneration through a variety of advanced techniques, designed to restore the structures that support your teeth. Periodontal regeneration can help banish infection and inflammation, stabilize the teeth, reduce tooth sensitivity, and improve your long-term health.
Top periodontal services offered at Willamette Valley Periodontics Wilsonville include:
Scaling and Root Planing
Often referred to as a periodontal "deep cleaning," scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure recommended to halt the progression of gum disease. Scaling involves carefully removing harmful bacteria, plaque, and calculus (tartar) from above and below the gum line. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and easier for your gums to heal and reattach firmly. Performed under local anesthesia, this treatment is often crucial for halting disease progression and preserving your natural teeth.
Arestin for Treating Periodontitis
Beyond traditional periodontal cleanings, we often integrate a localized antibiotic like Arestin® directly into infected gum pockets after deep cleanings. Tiny, undetectable microspheres painlessly release a concentrated dose of antibiotic over several days, targeting and eliminating harmful bacteria at the site of infection. This targeted, sustained approach significantly enhances the effectiveness of a periodontal deep cleaning, working to reduce pocket depths and promote healthier gums.
Gingivectomy
This precise procedure involves the removal of excess or overgrown gum tissue, often necessary when gum disease has created deep pockets that harbor bacteria. By carefully trimming this tissue, we reduce pocket depth, eliminate bacterial breeding grounds, and create a healthier, easier-to-clean gum contour. Gingivectomies can also cosmetically address the appearance of a "gummy smile," revealing more of your natural tooth structure for a balanced smile.
Chemotherapeutic Rinses
To support your fight against gum disease, we may recommend specialized mouthrinses with active antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine gluconate. Chemotherapeutic rinses significantly reduce harmful bacteria and plaque biofilm, proving particularly beneficial after scaling and root planing, during periods of acute inflammation, or for patients with difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene practices.
Gum Grafts
When gum recession exposes tooth roots, leading to tooth sensitivity, or increased risk of decay, a gum graft procedure may be recommended. This procedure involves taking healthy gum tissue (from your palate or a donor source) and carefully attaching it to the receded area, protecting the exposed root and enhancing the health and appearance of the gums.
Oral Cancer Screening
As part of your routine examination at Willamette Valley Periodontics, we conduct a quick, painless, and vital oral cancer screening. This involves a thorough visual and tactile examination of your entire oral cavity and surrounding areas, meticulously checking for any unusual lumps, patches, or unhealing sores. Early detection is paramount for successful treatment, greatly increasing positive outcomes.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
If you feel your teeth appear too short or your smile reveals too much gum tissue, aesthetic crown lengthening can reshape your gum line, and sometimes the underlying bone, to expose more of your natural tooth structure. This creates a more balanced and harmonious smile, correcting the unwanted appearance of a "gummy smile."
Bone Grafts
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure designed to address bone loss or deficiency, often in the jaw. Jaw bone loss can occur due to factors like gum disease, trauma, or missing teeth. The purpose of a bone graft is to add new bone material to an area where it's needed, creating a stable foundation for successful dental implant placement.
During the procedure, graft material is placed into the target area, where it acts as a "scaffold." This framework encourages your body's natural bone cells to migrate into it, grow, and ultimately regenerate. Over time, your own new bone replaces the graft material. This regenerative process is essential for restoring the jaw's volume and density, which in turn supports dental restorations, helps maintain a natural facial structure, and promotes optimal oral health.
Grafting material can be sourced from various places, including your own body, donated human bone, or synthetic materials. Regardless of the specific material used, a bone graft aims to provide the necessary support and stimulate your body's natural healing processes to rebuild lost bone. During your periodontal exam, Dr. Graser will carefully evaluate your situation to determine the most appropriate bone grafting approach for your needs.
LANAP Laser Dentistry
Our ultra-precise laser allows us to provide LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) laser dentistry. Unlike conventional surgical interventions, LANAP is a minimally invasive approach that uses no scalpels or sutures. This leads to significantly less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional gum surgery. Patients typically experience a faster, more comfortable recovery, often returning to daily activities within 24 hours.
LANAP also helps preserve healthy tissue, reducing the risk of gum recession and associated tooth sensitivity. Beyond simply eliminating infection, LANAP uniquely promotes regeneration, actively stimulating your body to regrow lost bone and gum attachment, thereby rebuilding the essential supporting structures of your teeth.
By effectively eliminating bacteria and promoting new tissue attachment, LANAP offers a durable solution for long-term success in managing periodontal disease, helping you preserve your natural teeth for years to come.
Learn More About Top Periodontal Treatments in Wilsonville
Ready to explore how advanced periodontal treatment and regeneration can revitalize your oral health and boost your confidence in Wilsonville? Don't let gum disease compromise your smile. Our caring team invites you to discover how our personalized approach can help you achieve lasting gum health and overall wellness. Contact Willamette Valley Periodontics in Wilsonville today to schedule your consultation and take the crucial first step toward a healthier, more vibrant smile!
