Gum Disease Treatment in Westlake Village
You notice a little pink in the sink after brushing. Maybe your gums look puffier than they used to, or a hygienist mentioned "pockets" at your last cleaning and you never followed up. Perhaps a tooth feels slightly different when you bite down. These quiet signs are often how gum disease first shows up, and they are exactly why so many of our Westlake Village neighbors come to see us. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, our team treats gum disease at every stage, from early inflammation to more advanced cases that call for a specialist's care.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It usually begins when plaque and hardened tartar collect along and below the gumline. In its early form, often called gingivitis, the gums may look red, feel tender, or bleed when you brush or floss. As it progresses, the gums can pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria settle beyond the reach of a toothbrush.
Because it often causes little pain early on, gum disease can move forward without much warning. That is why we check your gum health carefully at every dental exam and dental cleaning. Catching changes early gives you more options and often a simpler path back to healthy gums.
For many patients, treatment starts with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums have a cleaner surface to heal against. Depending on your needs, we may also use laser dentistry as part of your care.
When gum disease is more advanced, our office includes a board-certified periodontist, a specialist focused on the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. That means Westlake Village patients can receive specialized periodontal care without being sent to a separate practice. Our periodontal services include periodontal surgery, periodontal regeneration, gum grafting, gingivectomy, and crown lengthening. If gum disease has already cost you a tooth, we also place dental implants and provide ongoing implant maintenance.
Who is a good candidate for gum disease treatment?
Anyone with signs of gum inflammation or infection is a good candidate for an evaluation, whether symptoms are mild or long-standing. Common reasons people come to us include:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a lingering bad taste
- Gums that appear to be receding or teeth that look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or a bite that seems to have changed
- A previous diagnosis of gum disease that was never treated
You do not need a referral to see our periodontist, so you can schedule directly. Because we care for children and adults of all ages, families from Westlake Village can keep everyone's dental care, including gum care, in one familiar office. We describe ourselves as a one-stop shop for the whole family, and periodontal treatment is part of that.
What happens during treatment, and will it be comfortable?
Your visit begins with a thorough exam of your gums and teeth, and we can use digital 2D and 3D imaging, including CBCT, to get a clearer view of the bone and supporting structures when needed. From there, we explain what we see and walk you through the treatment options that fit your situation, whether that means a deep cleaning, a specialist procedure, or a combination over several visits.
Comfort matters to us, especially for patients who feel nervous about dental work. We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, and we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. If anxiety has kept you from addressing your gums, we are happy to talk through which option may suit you.
How do I care for my gums after treatment, and how can I pay for it?
After treatment, consistent home care and regular follow-up are what help keep gum disease under control. We will show you brushing and flossing techniques suited to your mouth and let you know what to expect as your gums heal. Many patients then move to periodontal maintenance, a specialized cleaning schedule designed for people with a history of gum disease, so we can monitor pocket depths and address changes early.
On the financial side, we accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we also welcome self-pay patients. Our periodontal specialty care is billed to insurance as specialist services, and our team can help you understand how your plan applies. For patients who would like to spread out costs, financing is available. We will review your options before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
If you live in Westlake Village and have noticed changes in your gums, we invite you to reach out to 805 Dentistry. Dr. Dar Radfar and our team look forward to helping you protect your smile.