A healthy smile starts with strong gums and a solid foundation. Your gums play a vital role in supporting your teeth and maintaining overall oral health. However, when gum disease or tooth loss affects your mouth, it can lead to serious complications, including bone loss and further dental deterioration. At our practice in Walnut Creek, CA, we provide specialized periodontal procedures to treat advanced gum conditions, restore lost bone structure, and offer lasting solutions for missing teeth.
Whether you need treatment for periodontal disease, an extraction, or a procedure to prepare for dental implants, our team is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art care with your comfort and long-term health in mind.
Periodontal Surgeries
Periodontal surgeries are essential for treating moderate to severe gum disease and addressing conditions that threaten the stability of your teeth. When gum disease progresses, it can lead to deep pockets forming between the teeth and gums, gum recession, and even tooth loss. Our periodontal surgical procedures aim to eliminate infection, reshape gum tissue, and restore the health of your gums.
Common periodontal surgeries include:
- Pocket reduction surgery: This procedure cleans out bacteria from deep periodontal pockets and reattaches the gums to the teeth, preventing further damage.
- Gum grafting: For patients experiencing gum recession, gum grafting can restore lost tissue, covering exposed tooth roots and reducing sensitivity.
- Crown lengthening: If you have excess gum tissue affecting the appearance of your smile or preventing proper tooth restoration, crown lengthening reshapes the gums to reveal more of your natural teeth.
These procedures help protect your teeth and gums from further deterioration while enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your smile.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved with a filling, root canal, or crown. In these cases, extraction may be necessary to protect the surrounding teeth and prevent infection from spreading.
We perform different types of extractions, including:
- Simple extractions: When a tooth is visible and accessible, we can gently remove it using specialized instruments with minimal discomfort.
- Surgical extractions: When a tooth is impacted (such as a wisdom tooth) or broken below the gumline, we may need to perform a surgical extraction to remove it safely.
After an extraction, we provide personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. If you need a replacement for the extracted tooth, we can discuss options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore function and aesthetics.
Bone Grafting
Your jawbone provides the essential foundation for your teeth, but when bone loss occurs due to gum disease, tooth loss, or trauma, it can weaken the stability of your remaining teeth. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that rebuilds and strengthens your jawbone, making it possible to support dental implants and maintain facial structure.
The bone grafting process involves placing bone graft material into the area of bone loss. Over time, the body integrates the graft, promoting new bone growth and reinforcing the area. We offer different types of bone grafting procedures, including:
- Socket preservation: Placed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent jawbone deterioration.
- Ridge augmentation: Used to rebuild the natural contours of the jawbone after bone loss.
- Sinus lifts: Increases bone volume in the upper jaw for patients who need dental implants but have insufficient bone in the sinus area.
Bone grafting not only restores the integrity of your jawbone but also improves the longevity of your dental restorations.
Dental Implants
If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants provide a permanent and natural-looking replacement option. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants integrate with your jawbone, creating a sturdy foundation that mimics the function of natural tooth roots.
The dental implant process includes:
- Implant placement: A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial root.
- Healing and osseointegration: The implant fuses with the bone over several months, ensuring a strong hold.
- Abutment and crown placement: A custom crown is attached to the implant, completing your smile with a natural-looking tooth.
Dental implants prevent bone loss, maintain facial structure, and restore full chewing and speaking function. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them one of the most effective tooth replacement options available.
Transforming Smiles, Restoring Confidence
Your periodontal health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being, and our goal is to provide the highest level of care to ensure a healthy, lasting smile. Whether you need gum disease treatment, an extraction, bone grafting, or dental implant placement, our experienced team in Walnut Creek, CA, is here to help.
We use the latest technology and minimally invasive techniques to deliver comfortable and effective treatments tailored to your needs. By restoring your oral health, we enhance not only your smile but also your confidence and quality of life. Don’t let periodontal issues compromise your health—schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger smile!