Periodontal Surgery in Agoura Hills
If your gums bleed when you brush, feel tender, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, or if a dentist has told you that you have deep gum pockets, you may be wondering what comes next. For many patients in Agoura Hills, the next step is a conversation about periodontal surgery. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office has a board-certified periodontist on staff. You can come to us directly without a referral and have your gum care handled in the same practice your whole family may already use.
Periodontal surgery is a group of procedures that treat the gums and the bone that support your teeth. When gum disease moves past the point where cleanings can control it, bacteria and hardened deposits collect below the gumline in pockets that a toothbrush and floss can't reach. Surgery lets our periodontist reach those areas directly, clean them thoroughly, and reshape or rebuild the tissues so they are easier to keep healthy.
The term covers more than one treatment. Depending on what we find, your care may involve gum grafting to cover exposed roots, periodontal regeneration to help rebuild lost support, bone grafting, a gingivectomy to remove excess or diseased gum tissue, or crown lengthening to expose more of a tooth before a restoration. We also perform cosmetic gum contouring for patients whose gumline affects the look of their smile.
Periodontal surgery is often recommended when gum disease hasn't responded fully to nonsurgical care. Many patients first receive scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gumline. If pockets stay deep afterward, surgery may be the more effective way to reach and treat them.
Surgery also fits situations that aren't about infection alone. A patient with receding gums and sensitive, exposed roots may be a candidate for grafting. Someone who needs a crown on a tooth broken near the gumline may need crown lengthening first. A patient planning dental implants may need bone or gum support built up before placement. Because we place implants and provide implant maintenance in-house, we can plan these steps together.
How does periodontal surgery work at your office?
The process starts with an exam and a clear explanation of what is happening in your mouth. Our periodontist checks pocket depths, gum health, and bone support. When more detail is needed, we have 2D and 3D imaging, including CBCT, available in our practice, so we can see the bone and tooth roots before deciding on a plan.
From there, we explain which procedure fits your situation and why. Here is what you can generally expect:
- A consultation and imaging to map out the areas that need treatment
- A discussion of comfort options, from local numbing to sedation
- The procedure itself, focused on the specific teeth and tissues involved
- Follow-up visits so we can check how your gums are healing
Comfort matters to us, especially for patients who feel anxious about dental work. We have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We'll help you choose the level of support that fits you.
What is recovery like after gum surgery?
Recovery is usually a matter of protecting the treated area while your gums heal. It's normal to have some tenderness and swelling in the first several days. Before you leave, we'll go over how to care for the area, what to eat, and how to clean your teeth without disturbing the surgical site.
Long-term results depend heavily on what happens after you heal. We recommend periodontal maintenance visits, which are more focused cleanings designed for patients with a history of gum disease. Regular visits let us watch for changes early and keep pockets from returning. For Agoura Hills families, it can be convenient to schedule these appointments alongside routine checkups and cleanings for everyone else in the household.
How can I pay for periodontal surgery?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Our periodontics services are billed to insurance as specialist care, and our team can help you understand how your plan applies before treatment begins.
If you have costs that insurance doesn't cover, financing is available. That way, you can move forward with needed gum care without putting it off. We'll review your treatment plan and its costs with you up front, so you can make a decision with all the information in hand.
If you live in Agoura Hills and have concerns about your gums, we'd be glad to take a look. Contact 805 Dentistry to schedule a periodontal evaluation with our team.