Surgical Treatments in Portland ME

Sometimes, gum disease runs deeper than a good cleaning can fix. When non-surgical treatments no longer do the trick, that’s where periodontal surgery in Portland ME steps in. From rebuilding lost tissue to reducing deep gum pockets, these procedures aren’t just reactive—they’re restorative. Think of it like structural work for your smile: the goal is to strengthen, stabilize, and save what matters most.

As a periodontist at Portland Center for Dentistry, my job is to do more than patch problems—I work to repair the foundation that supports your teeth and help you maintain that stability long-term. Let’s walk through some of the most effective surgical treatments available, and what they can do for your gum and bone health.

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When Is Periodontal Surgery Necessary in Portland ME?

While we always try to start with conservative care, surgical intervention becomes necessary when inflammation, bone loss, or tissue damage reaches a point that scaling, root planing, or medications can’t fully resolve. If you’ve noticed deep pockets that won’t shrink, ongoing gum recession, or teeth that feel loose, it’s a strong signal your gums and bone need more than maintenance.

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Gum Surgery

Gum surgery is often the first step toward correcting more advanced stages of periodontal disease. During this procedure, we gently fold back the gums to gain access to the roots of the teeth. From there, we remove bacteria, infected tissue, and any remaining tartar buildup.

Once cleaned, the gum tissue is repositioned snugly around the teeth to reduce the depth of the pockets where bacteria like to hide. The result? A cleaner, healthier environment where your gums can begin healing—and your teeth can stay put.

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Osseous Surgery

When periodontal disease causes damage to the bone around the teeth, osseous surgery is used to reshape and smooth these areas. The goal is to eliminate uneven surfaces and reduce the depth of gum pockets where bacteria accumulate.

Think of it like landscaping: we're recontouring the terrain so your gums can fit more tightly around the teeth, reducing the chance for bacteria to thrive. It’s a powerful step for stopping disease progression and saving your natural teeth.

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Portland ME Periodontal Pocket Reduction

Deep pockets between the gums and teeth are like hidden shelters for bacteria—and the deeper they are, the harder they are to clean. Pocket reduction surgery works by reducing the space where harmful bacteria can gather.

By making these areas more accessible, you’ll not only have better results with your daily hygiene routine, but we also reduce the risk of further bone loss and infection. It’s all about giving your gums and immune system a fighting chance to stay healthy.

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Periodontal Regeneration

One of the more advanced procedures we offer is periodontal regeneration. This is used when bone and tissue around the teeth have been destroyed due to infection. With this treatment, we don’t just clean—we stimulate the body’s ability to regrow lost support.

This might include placing bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins to rebuild bone and ligament structure around the roots of your teeth. The result is improved support, reduced tooth mobility, and better long-term outcomes.

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Gum Grafting

If your teeth are starting to look longer than they used to, chances are your gums are pulling away. Gum grafting can restore the natural shape and coverage of your gums, protect tooth roots from sensitivity, and improve the appearance of your smile.

We carefully take tissue—either from another area of your mouth or a donor source—and graft it to areas where the gum has receded. Not only does this reinforce the gumline, but it also reduces your risk for future decay and wear on the exposed roots.

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Surgical Gum Care Is About More Than Just Repair

Each of these procedures at Portland Center for Dentistry is designed to do more than stop disease. They help preserve your natural teeth, improve your oral function, and support the aesthetics of your smile. They’re backed by science, performed with precision, and tailored to the unique condition of your mouth.

And while “surgery” can sound intimidating, modern techniques make these treatments more comfortable and effective than ever, with a focus on minimally invasive approaches and faster healing.

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Ready to rebuild the health of your gums and restore long-term support for your smile?

Let’s talk about the surgical options that are right for you. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier foundation. Your future self—and your teeth—will thank you.