Periodontal Surgery in Ventura
Gums that bleed when you brush, pockets that keep getting deeper despite regular cleanings, or a tooth that suddenly looks longer than its neighbors are all signs that gum disease or tissue loss has moved beyond what a routine visit can address. When that happens, periodontal surgery may be the step that helps protect your teeth and the bone that supports them. At 805 Dentistry, we welcome patients from Ventura who need this level of gum care. A board-certified periodontist on our team plans and performs these procedures, and you don't need a referral to schedule.
Periodontal surgery is a group of procedures that treat the gums and the supporting structures around your teeth. Treatment usually begins with non-surgical care such as scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gumline. Surgery becomes an option when deep pockets, receding gums, or lost tissue need more direct attention than a cleaning can provide.
The right procedure depends on what's happening in your mouth. We perform gum grafting to cover exposed roots, periodontal regeneration to help rebuild lost supporting tissue, crown lengthening to expose more tooth structure for a restoration, and gingivectomy or cosmetic gum contouring to reshape uneven gumlines. Some Ventura patients also come to us for related care, such as bone grafting or dental implant placement after a tooth has been lost to gum disease.
Many patients are good candidates for periodontal surgery, and the most common reasons fall into a few categories. You may benefit if you have moderate to advanced gum disease that hasn't responded to deep cleaning, gum recession that leaves roots sensitive or exposed, or a tooth that needs more visible structure before it can receive a crown. Others are bothered by a "gummy" smile or an uneven gumline.
Because our office also handles general, restorative, and specialty dental care, we can look at your gum health in the context of your whole mouth. If imaging would help clarify bone levels, our team includes a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist and provides CBCT and 3D imaging, so we can plan treatment with a detailed picture of what lies beneath the gums.
What happens during periodontal surgery?
Periodontal surgery follows a planned sequence that starts with a thorough evaluation and ends with ongoing maintenance. At your first visit, we examine your gums, measure pocket depths, review any imaging, and explain which procedure fits your situation and why. You'll have time to ask questions before anything is scheduled.
On the day of treatment, here is what you can generally expect:
- A review of your treatment plan and comfort options before we begin
- Local anesthetic to numb the area, with sedation available if you'd like it
- The procedure itself, tailored to your needs, such as placing a graft, cleaning and reshaping tissue, or adjusting the gumline
- Clear aftercare guidance before you head home
If dental visits make you anxious, a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on our team offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Many Ventura patients find it reassuring to have these options available in the same office where their surgery takes place.
What is recovery and aftercare like?
Recovery is usually a matter of following your home-care instructions closely and returning for follow-up visits so we can monitor healing. Before you leave, we'll go over how to care for the treated area, what to eat while it heals, and how to keep the rest of your mouth clean without disturbing the site.
Long-term care matters just as much as the surgery itself. Afterward, many patients move into a schedule of periodontal maintenance, which consists of cleanings designed for people with a history of gum disease. If your treatment includes a dental implant, we also provide implant maintenance. Our on-site dental lab supports any restorations that follow, such as a crown after crown lengthening.
How can I pay for periodontal surgery?
You have several ways to pay for periodontal surgery. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and because our periodontics care is filed as specialist treatment, our team can help you understand how your plan applies. We also welcome self-pay patients.
For those who would like to spread out the cost, financing is available. We'll walk you through your estimated costs and options during your consultation, so you can make a decision that feels comfortable. If you live in Ventura and have been told you may need gum surgery, or you simply have concerns about your gums, contact our office to schedule an evaluation with our periodontal team.