Osseous Surgery in Portland ME

Sometimes, gum disease goes deeper than what we can see—or even clean—during routine visits. When bacteria have reached the bone and left behind deep pockets and uneven support, osseous surgery in Portland ME becomes a necessary and effective solution. Don’t let the name intimidate you—it’s not as intense as it sounds. In fact, this procedure is one of the most reliable ways to stop periodontal disease in its tracks and give your gums a stable, healthy foundation to rebuild on.

As a periodontist, I’ve seen how quickly gum disease can erode not just tissue—but the very bone that holds your teeth in place. Osseous surgery at Portland Center for Dentistry isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about correcting the architecture of your bone so it can support your smile long-term.

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What Is Portland ME Osseous Surgery?

Also known as flap surgery or pocket depth reduction surgery, osseous surgery is designed to treat areas where gum disease has caused serious damage to the bone. When gum pockets become too deep, bacteria settle in and create an uneven surface along the bone beneath your gums. This makes it nearly impossible to clean effectively at home—and even tough during standard dental procedures.

Osseous surgery gives us the access we need to:

• Remove infected tissue and bacterial buildup
• Reshape and smooth irregular bone surfaces
• Reduce the depth of periodontal pockets
• Help gums reattach more securely to the teeth

The goal? A clean, healthy, and more maintainable environment that keeps disease from progressing any further.

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How Do You Know If You Need Osseous Surgery?

Not all gum disease requires surgery. But when non-surgical options like scaling and root planing aren’t enough, osseous surgery may be the next step.

You might be a candidate if you have:

• Deep gum pockets that don’t shrink with treatment
• Bone loss visible on X-rays
• Persistent inflammation despite cleanings
• Loose teeth or shifting bite alignment
• Periodontal disease that’s no longer responding to conservative care

We always evaluate your situation carefully before recommending surgery. Our goal is to intervene early enough to prevent further tissue and bone destruction—and help you avoid tooth loss altogether.

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What Happens During Osseous Surgery in Portland ME?

We start by numbing the area with local anesthesia to ensure you’re completely comfortable. Then, we make a small incision to gently lift the gums and expose the affected area beneath. Once we have access, we clean out the deep pockets, remove hardened plaque and tartar, and reshape the bone to eliminate defects or irregular surfaces.

Finally, we reposition the gum tissue to sit closer to the teeth, reducing the depth of the pockets and promoting tighter reattachment.

It’s a detailed process—but one that can dramatically improve your oral health and long-term stability.

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What Is Recovery Like?

Most patients recover comfortably with minimal downtime. You might experience slight swelling or sensitivity for a few days, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods. We’ll provide you with post-op instructions to make healing smooth and stress-free.

Follow-up visits are essential—we want to monitor healing, reinforce good habits, and make sure your gums are adapting as expected.

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Why Osseous Surgery Works

What makes osseous surgery so effective is that it targets the root cause of advanced gum disease—not just the symptoms. By removing infection and reshaping the bone, we create a healthier, more balanced structure that’s easier to clean and maintain.

The benefits include:

• Reduced risk of future infection
• Shallower pockets, which are easier to care for at home
• Improved gum health and stability
• Better support for your natural teeth
• Enhanced outcomes for future restorative treatments (like crowns or implants)

In short, osseous surgery helps you preserve your natural smile—even in the face of serious periodontal disease.

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Don’t let gum disease steal your smile.

If you’ve been told you have deep pockets or advanced bone loss, osseous surgery may be the solution that helps you regain control. Schedule a consultation today, and we’ll guide you through your options with expertise, compassion, and a plan built just for you.