Gum Disease Treatment in Agoura Hills
Bleeding when you brush, gums that look puffy or red, or breath that stays stale no matter how often you rinse can be easy to dismiss. These everyday signs are often the first clues that gum tissue is irritated or infected, and they deserve attention. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office helps patients from Agoura Hills and across the surrounding communities understand what is happening below the gumline and take practical steps to protect their smile. Gum health supports everything else we do, from routine cleanings to implants, so we treat it as a priority for patients of all ages.
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 beneath the gumline. In its earlier stage, often called gingivitis, the gums may look inflamed or bleed easily. As it progresses, pockets can form between the teeth and gums, giving bacteria more room to settle where a toothbrush and floss cannot reach.
Our approach to gum disease treatment depends on what we find during your exam. Some patients need a thorough, focused cleaning and better home habits. Others need deeper care to clean out those pockets, and some benefit from surgical treatment to repair tissue that has been affected. Because we have a board-certified periodontist on staff, Agoura Hills patients can receive this full range of gum care within one practice instead of being sent elsewhere.
Treating gum disease is about more than fresher breath. Healthy gums are the foundation for keeping your natural teeth, and they matter if you are considering restorative or cosmetic work in the future. When we address infection and inflammation, we also create a healthier starting point for crowns, bridges, implants, and smile makeovers.
Patients who come to us for gum care often appreciate:
- Care for both early and more advanced gum concerns under one roof
- Access to a board-certified periodontist without needing a referral
- Sedation options for those who feel anxious about dental visits
- Ongoing periodontal maintenance to help keep gums on track
- Coordination with our general, restorative, and implant care when needed
Having these services together means fewer handoffs and a more connected treatment plan. If gum treatment is one step toward a larger goal, such as replacing missing teeth, our team can plan each stage with the whole picture in mind.
Am I a candidate for gum disease treatment?
If you notice bleeding, tenderness, swelling, gum recession, or teeth that feel loose, you may be a good candidate for an evaluation. Many people do not feel pain in the early stages, which is why regular dental exams are so useful for catching changes before they become more involved.
During your visit, we examine your gums, measure the spaces around your teeth, and use imaging as needed. Our office offers 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, which can help us see the supporting bone more clearly. Candidacy looks different for every patient. A teenager with inflamed gums, an adult who has not had a cleaning in a while, and someone with existing implants who needs maintenance may each need a different plan.
What happens during treatment, and what is recovery like?
For many patients, treatment begins 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 can reattach more easily. We may complete this over one or more visits, depending on how many areas need attention. Laser dentistry is also part of our services and may be considered where it is appropriate.
When gums need more help, our periodontist offers procedures such as periodontal surgery, gum grafting, periodontal regeneration, bone grafting, gingivectomy, and crown lengthening. If you are nervous, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on our team. Afterward, we will walk you through home care, including how to brush and floss treated areas. We then set up periodontal maintenance visits so we can keep a close watch on your gum health over time.
How can I pay for gum disease treatment?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients as well. Because our periodontics services are filed with insurance as specialist care, our team can help you understand how your plan may apply before treatment begins.
Financing is also available for patients who would like to spread out the cost of their care. If you live in Agoura Hills and have been putting off a gum evaluation, our Thousand Oaks team, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, is ready to review your options and help you take the next step toward healthier gums.