Periodontal Maintenance in Calabasas
You finished scaling and root planing a few months ago, your gums feel healthier, and now you're wondering what comes next. For many of our patients in Calabasas, that next step is periodontal maintenance. It's an ongoing visit designed to keep gum disease under control after active treatment. Our team at 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks provides this care for patients throughout the area, including Calabasas families who want everything handled in one familiar office.
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning for people who have been treated for gum disease. A routine cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth and the area just at the gumline. Maintenance goes further. It addresses the deeper pockets that can form between the teeth and gums when periodontal disease has been present, because bacteria can collect there even after successful treatment.
Think of it as the long-term follow-through on gum disease treatment. Scaling and root planing, or periodontal surgery when it's needed, clears out existing buildup and infection. Maintenance visits then help keep those areas clean. Our office has a board-certified periodontist on staff, so Calabasas patients can count on gum care guided by someone with focused training in this area.
Patients who have had active gum disease treatment are the most common candidates. That includes people who completed scaling and root planing, as well as those who had periodontal surgery, gum grafting, or periodontal regeneration. Once gum disease has been diagnosed, it calls for closer monitoring than a standard six-month cleaning usually provides.
Maintenance also matters if you have dental implants. Our periodontics team places implants and provides implant maintenance, so the tissue around your implants gets the same careful attention as your natural teeth. If you're unsure whether you need maintenance or a regular cleaning, we'll evaluate your gums and explain which option fits your situation.
What happens during a periodontal maintenance visit?
A maintenance visit combines a thorough cleaning with a close check of your gum health. We start by reviewing how your gums have responded since your last appointment, then clean above and below the gumline where bacteria tend to hide.
Here's what you can generally expect:
- Measuring the pockets around your teeth to track changes over time
- Removing plaque and hardened buildup from the deeper areas below the gumline
- Smoothing tooth surfaces so bacteria have a harder time reattaching
- Checking any implants, crowns, or bridges for signs of irritation
- An exam of your teeth and soft tissues, including an oral cancer screening when appropriate
If we notice areas that aren't responding as hoped, we'll talk with you about next steps. Because our office offers periodontal surgery, laser dentistry, and other gum treatments, we can often address those concerns without sending you elsewhere.
Will it be uncomfortable, and how should I care for my gums afterward?
Most patients find maintenance visits manageable, and we take steps to keep you comfortable throughout. Your gums may feel a little tender afterward, especially in areas that needed extra attention. Let us know about any sensitivity so we can adjust as we go.
For patients with dental anxiety, we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Few people need sedation for a maintenance cleaning, but having those options available helps some patients feel more at ease about keeping up with their visits.
At home, the work continues. We'll show you brushing and flossing techniques suited to your gums and point out any areas that need extra care. Sticking with the schedule we recommend matters just as much. Your interval is based on how your gums are doing, and keeping those appointments is one of the most practical ways to stay ahead of gum disease.
How do I pay for periodontal maintenance?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Periodontics claims are filed as specialist services. Many plans treat periodontal maintenance differently from a standard cleaning, so our team can help you understand how your coverage applies before your visit.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who want to spread out costs. If your maintenance plan includes related care, such as treating a problem area or caring for an implant, we'll explain the options clearly so there are no surprises.
Why do Calabasas patients choose our office for ongoing gum care?
Calabasas patients choose us because we can handle long-term gum care and the rest of their dental needs under one roof. Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, 805 Dentistry describes itself as a one-stop shop for the whole family. Alongside periodontics, we offer general dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and an on-site dental lab.
That continuity is especially helpful for maintenance, which works best when the same office tracks your gum health visit after visit. Whether you're coming from Calabasas or nearby communities, we'll build a maintenance schedule that fits your needs. Contact our office to set up your next visit.