Gum Disease Treatment in Camarillo
Maybe you've noticed a little pink in the sink after brushing, or your gums look puffier than they used to. Perhaps a hygienist mentioned "pockets," or a tooth has started to feel slightly loose. These are common reasons Camarillo patients reach out to us, and they're worth taking seriously. At 805 Dentistry, our team helps patients understand what's happening with their gums and choose a treatment path that fits their needs, comfort level, and budget.
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It often begins quietly. Bacteria collect along and below the gumline, and over time that buildup can irritate the gums and affect the supporting structures around the teeth. Because early stages may not hurt, many people don't realize anything is wrong until a dental exam reveals it.
Our approach starts with a careful evaluation. We examine your gums, measure the spaces between gums and teeth, and use imaging when it helps clarify the picture. Our office provides 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, so we can see more of what's happening beneath the surface. From there, we explain what we found in plain language and recommend care matched to your situation.
Patients from Camarillo come to us for gum care in a range of situations. Some have early warning signs like bleeding or tenderness and want to address them before they progress. Others have been told they need a deep cleaning and want a team that can take care of it from start to finish. Some are dealing with receding gums, and others have lost a tooth and are wondering about replacement options.
Because we have a board-certified periodontist on staff, we can handle both routine and more advanced gum care in one place. Treatments we offer include scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, laser dentistry, gingivectomy, gum grafting, periodontal regeneration, and periodontal surgery. If a tooth can't be saved, we also place dental implants and perform bone grafting. You don't need a referral to see our periodontics team.
Am I a candidate for gum disease treatment?
If you have signs of gum trouble or have been told your gums need attention, you're likely a good candidate for an evaluation. Common reasons patients schedule a visit include:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Teeth that feel loose or seem to be shifting
- A recommendation for a deep cleaning from another dental office
Even if you aren't sure whether your symptoms are serious, a visit gives you clear answers. We see children and adults of all ages, so families in Camarillo can come to one office for everyone's dental needs, including gum care.
What happens during treatment, and will it be uncomfortable?
For many patients, treatment begins with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes buildup from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces. Depending on your needs, we may treat one area of the mouth at a time. When gum disease is more advanced, our periodontist may recommend surgical care, regenerative procedures, or gum grafting to address areas of recession.
We understand that some people feel anxious about dental work, and we want every patient to feel at ease. Our office offers several sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. We'll talk through which option, if any, makes sense for your treatment.
How do I care for my gums after treatment?
After treatment, consistent home care and regular follow-up visits are key. We'll give you specific instructions based on the procedure you had, along with guidance on brushing and flossing techniques that help keep your gums healthy.
Many patients move on to periodontal maintenance, a schedule of cleanings designed for people who have been treated for gum disease. These visits let us keep a close eye on your gums and address any changes early. If you have implants, we also provide implant maintenance.
How can I pay for gum disease treatment?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our periodontics services are filed with insurance as specialist care. Our team can help you understand how your benefits apply before treatment begins.
If you don't have dental insurance, we welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread out the cost. Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, our team is glad to serve Camarillo and neighboring communities, and we'd be happy to help you take the next step toward healthier gums.