Oral Surgery in Portland, OR
Tooth Extraction
Of course, no one wants to lose a tooth, but sometimes, tooth extraction is the best option. If a tooth is severely infected or cannot be restored, it may have to be extracted.
Portland dentist Dr. Austria can remove the most difficult teeth, and we offer sedation dentistry to help make you comfortable during the procedure. Whether your tooth extraction is simple or complex, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fully addresses any worries that you may have.
We believe that an educated and informed patient has substantially less anxiety about the procedure, and we make sure to include you in the decision-making process.
We also offer treatment options, including dental implants and dentures, to help restore the natural beauty of your smile after your tooth extraction.
Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four of 32 teeth to erupt (surface) in the mouth. They generally make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are located at the back of the mouth, both in the upper and lower jaws, near the throat. Referred to as “wisdom teeth,” they typically emerge in the late teenage years or early adulthood—a stage commonly associated with increased maturity.
In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this occurs, the tooth can become impacted, remaining trapped in a misaligned or potentially problematic position within the jaw. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage adjacent teeth, and possibly lead to cysts or tumors.
Dental Bone Grafting
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of bone loss in the oral cavity, though other causes include ill-fitting dentures and facial trauma. The bone grafting procedure is excellent for replacing lost bone tissue and encouraging natural bone growth.
Bone grafting is a predictable and adaptable process that serves several purposes. It is required to create a stable base for dental implant placement, halt the progression of gum disease, or make the smile appear more aesthetically pleasing.
Ridge Augmentation
After losing a tooth, the gums and jawbone can develop an indentation where the tooth once was, making it difficult to replace a tooth for a natural look. Ridge augmentation is a procedure required to replace the natural contour of the gum and jaw, leading to the success of placing dental implants and other restorations.
Dr. Austria provides simple ridge augmentation to fill in this indentation through a surgical bone grafting procedure. This procedure replaces the empty space with bone, and the gums are sutured. After the area has healed, the result can be a replacement tooth that is more natural-looking and easy to clean.
Sinus Augmentation
A dental implant is a durable, artificial tooth root that is securely placed into the jawbone. Once the implant is fully integrated, a replacement tooth or bridge is attached, restoring both the appearance and function of the original tooth. The key to a successful and long-lasting implant is the quality and quantity of the jawbone to which the implant will be attached. If bone loss has occurred due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can elevate the sinus floor, creating the ideal environment for new bone growth.
In the most common sinus augmentation technique, a tiny incision is made near the upper premolar or molar region to expose the jawbone. A small incision is made in the bone, and the membrane lining the sinus on the opposite side is gently lifted. The space beneath is filled with bone graft material, and the incision is carefully closed. The bone used for the graft may come from your own body, a donor, or synthetic materials, which can also encourage bone growth. Dental implants can be placed once the area has healed, though the timing will depend on your specific condition. Sinus augmentation has been proven to enhance the success rate of dental implant procedures.
Bone Regeneration
Dental implants and other restorative procedures depend on the jawbone being sufficiently strong and thick. When periodontal disease has taken hold, the jawbone may have become too thin to support an implant successfully. Natural bone regeneration, also referred to as bone grafting, is one of the most effective methods to encourage growth and increase the thickness of the jawbone.
Bone grafting material is initially sourced from another body area or a bone bank. The gums are carefully retracted, and an incision is made in the jawbone to insert the grafting material, which is securely packed. A membrane is placed to preserve the shape of the new bone, and tissue-stimulating proteins, along with platelet-rich growth factors, may be applied to encourage faster healing. The surgical site is then sutured and covered with protective material. Over time, the bone naturally regenerates, becoming strong enough to support a dental implant.
Testimonials
Crown and filling experience went better than I expected. It's normally a painful process for me. Staff is always friendly and easy to deal with. We appreciate that they offer us different options since we don't have dental insurance.
Ilus Ka
Everyone is so nice and friendly. If you’re looking for a new dentist and team, I highly recommend Bethany Dental. I’ve gone in a few times for anual cleanings and some cavity fillings and I’ve left satisfied every time.
Marlyne Rodriguez
The staff was very friendly. Dr. Austria was very friendly and asked me lots of questions and listened to me. He made my appointment easy and stress free. I would recommend going to this office for your dental care.
Marcia Reyes
I just spent a very relaxing (really!) 2.75 hours being prepped for a new crown and having 3 fillings put in. Honestly, except for a slight prick of the numbing needle, the whole procedure was painless. Dr.Austria and his staff were friendly, the atmosphere was calming, and I knew I was in good hands.
Caroline Arnold
They were super friendly and considerate to any pain I was having. The Dr. asked often if I was in any pain, and I didn't even feel the shot like I usually do at my other dentist. They do everything they can to make you comfortable. I definitely recommend going here.
Jordan Harris
I'm in the process of getting a post and crown. Right now I'm healing from my bone graft and every person at this practice continually goes out of their way to make sure I heal well and every thing goes as planned. There was a problem with my bone graft initially and Dr. Austria continues to spend extra time on my mouth to help me keep on healing, at no extra expense to me.
Heather Stevens
Dr. Austria is one of the kindest, most capable, and awesome dentists I’ve ever had. I have a moderate level of anxiety around any dental work that requires local anesthesia, and Dr. Austria did everything he could to put me at ease when I unexpectedly needed numbing. The dental assistants are awesome too, non-judgmental and sweet and supportive. I’m so glad we found Bethany Family Dental.
