Oral Surgeons

Utah Oral Surgery

At Utah Periodontal Specialists, we’re proud to introduce three outstanding oral surgeons who serve at both our Salt Lake City and South Jordan locations:

 Impacted Tooth Exposure

• Impacted tooth exposure is a dental procedure performed to uncover and bring into the correct position a tooth that has not erupted properly or is obstructed by gum tissue, bone, or other teeth. The most common impacted teeth are wisdom teeth (third molars), but it can also occur with other teeth in the mouth. Candidates typically include

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth are often candidates for this procedure, especially when they are causing pain, infection, or other dental problems due to their improper eruption.
2. Other Impacted Teeth: While less common, other teeth can become impacted and require exposure if they are causing pain, crowding, or other dental issues.
3.  Good Oral Health: Patients should have good overall oral health and no active infections in the affected area. The impacted tooth exposure procedure involves making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any obstructing bone or tissue, and, if necessary, attaching an orthodontic device to help guide the tooth into its proper position.

 Frenectomy

• A frenectomy involves the removal or modification of a frenulum, which is a small fold of tissue that connects two structures in the mouth. There are two primary types of frenulum in the mouth

1. Lingual Frenulum (Tongue Tie): This is the piece of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When it’s too short or tight, it can restrict the movement of the tongue, causing conditions known as ankyloglossia or tongue-tie.
2. Labial Frenulum (Lip Tie):This is the piece of tissue that attaches the upper lip to the gum tissue just above the upper front teeth. An excessively thick or tight labial frenulum can restrict the movement of the upper lip and can sometimes interfere with breastfeeding in infants.

The typical candidates for a frenectomy are those who are experiencing functional issues due to a restrictive frenulum, and who could benefit from improved mobility and function of the tongue or lip.

 Gingivectomy

• A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at removing or reshaping gum tissue (gingiva). It’s most often performed to treat gum disease, improve the appearance of the gums, or create better access to underlying teeth for various dental treatments.

Best candidates for a gingivectomy include:

1. Gum Disease PatientsPeople with advanced gum disease (periodontitis) that has not responded to non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing may benefit from a gingivectomy. This procedure will help remove infected or damaged gum tissue and promote healing
2. Cosmetic Concerns: Individuals who have a “gummy smile” may opt for a gingivectomy to enhance the appearance of their teeth and gums.
3. Access for Dental Work: Some dental procedures, such as crown placement or cavity removal, may require the removal of excess gum tissue to provide better access to the teeth.
4. Orthodontic Patients: In some cases, orthodontic treatment may involve a gingivectomy to create space for tooth movement or to correct issues related to the gumline
5. Symptomatic Gum Overgrowth: Certain medical conditions or medications can cause gum tissue to grow excessively, leading to discomfort or functional problems. A gingivectomy can help alleviate these issues.

Why Choose Our Utah Oral Surgeons?

Our mission revolves around community service, emphasizing respect and empathy in patient care while prioritizing effective periodontal and implant therapies. We are committed to restoring health through cutting-edge treatments and unwavering customer service. Our goal is to earn recognition and respect from both patients and peers as the foremost trusted periodontal practice in the state.