Periodontal Surgery in Oak Park
Maybe you've noticed your gums bleeding when you brush, a tooth that looks longer than it used to, or a dentist's note that your gum pockets have grown deeper since your last cleaning. For many patients, a deep cleaning and good home care are enough to get things back on track. When gum disease or gum recession has progressed past that point, periodontal surgery can treat the problem at its source. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office welcomes Oak Park patients who need this level of gum care, with a board-certified periodontist on our team.
Periodontal surgery is a group of procedures that treat the gums and the structures that support your teeth. Our approach depends on what we find during your evaluation. For deep pockets caused by gum disease, we may recommend periodontal regeneration, which aims to help rebuild lost support around the teeth, sometimes alongside bone grafting. For receding gums that leave roots exposed, gum grafting can restore coverage. Other procedures include crown lengthening, which reshapes gum and bone so a tooth can be properly restored, and gingivectomy or cosmetic gum contouring for excess or uneven gum tissue.
Because our periodontics team files insurance claims as a specialist and accepts patients without a referral, Oak Park residents can contact us directly if they're worried about their gums. We also offer general dentistry, oral surgery, and dental implants. If periodontal treatment is one step in a larger plan, much of that plan can happen in the same office.
Surgery is rarely the first step. We usually begin with nonsurgical care such as scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gumline. Surgery may come next when pockets stay deep after that cleaning, when recession continues, or when there isn't enough healthy tooth structure above the gums to support a crown.
Typical candidates include adults with moderate to advanced gum disease, patients with sensitive or exposed roots from recession, and people planning crowns or implants who first need the gums and bone prepared. Some patients come to us mainly for appearance, such as a "gummy" smile they'd like to balance. A thorough exam with imaging helps us decide whether surgery is the right recommendation. Our office provides 2D and 3D imaging, including CBCT, when a more detailed view is helpful.
What are the benefits of periodontal surgery?
The main benefit is treating gum and bone problems that cleanings alone can't resolve, which helps protect the teeth you have. Depending on the procedure, patients may gain:
- Shallower gum pockets that are easier to keep clean at home and at checkups
- Coverage for exposed roots that may feel sensitive
- A stable foundation for future crowns, bridges, or dental implants
- A more even, balanced gumline for a smile you feel good about
These goals tie into the rest of your dental care. Healthier gums make routine care more effective. When teeth have already been lost, our team can plan implant treatment with your gum health in mind and provide ongoing implant maintenance.
What happens during the procedure, and will I be comfortable?
Most patients are comfortable because we numb the area thoroughly, and we offer sedation for anyone who wants more support. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist provides nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. This can be especially helpful for Oak Park patients with dental anxiety or those having longer procedures.
During treatment, the periodontist works carefully on the specific area of concern. That might mean cleaning deep below the gums, placing graft tissue, or reshaping gum and bone. Before your appointment, we explain exactly what we're planning, how long it should take, and which sedation option fits your needs, so nothing on the day comes as a surprise.
How do I care for my gums after surgery?
Aftercare focuses on protecting the treated area while it heals, and we give you clear written instructions before you leave. These typically cover eating, brushing near the site, and managing any tenderness. Because every procedure is different, your instructions will be tailored to the work we did.
We schedule follow-up visits to check your healing. Over the long term, most patients benefit from periodontal maintenance, a cleaning schedule designed for people with a history of gum disease. If you have an urgent concern between visits, we also offer emergency dental appointments.
How can I pay for periodontal surgery?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Our team reviews your treatment plan and coverage with you before any work begins, so you understand your options.
If you live in Oak Park and have been told you need gum treatment, or you simply have questions about your gums, call our office to schedule an evaluation. We'll talk through what we see and outline a plan that makes sense for you.