Gum Disease Treatment in Simi Valley
Bleeding when you brush or floss is easy to ignore, especially when nothing hurts. Gums that bleed, look puffy, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth are often the first signs of gum disease. It tends to progress quietly, so many people don't realize anything is wrong until a dental exam finds it. At 805 Dentistry, we help patients from Simi Valley and across the region understand what's happening below the gumline and choose a practical plan to manage it. Our care ranges from deep cleanings to advanced periodontal procedures.
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It starts when bacterial plaque and hardened tartar build up along and beneath the gumline. In its early stage, the gums become irritated and may bleed. As it advances, pockets can form between the teeth and gums. Those pockets trap more bacteria and can affect the bone that supports your teeth.
Our goal is to clean those areas, help the gums heal, and keep the condition under control over the long term. For many patients, that begins with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes buildup from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces. Patients who need more than a deep cleaning can see a board-certified periodontist on our staff. That means Simi Valley families can often stay with one team instead of being sent elsewhere for specialty gum care. You also don't need a referral to schedule a periodontal visit with us.
We see patients at many different stages. Some notice tender or bleeding gums during brushing. Others are told at a routine dental exam or dental cleaning that their gum measurements have changed. Some have receding gums, teeth that look longer than they used to, or loose implants or teeth that need attention.
Because we treat children and adults of all ages, we can also look after the rest of your household's dental needs while one person focuses on gum health. If you're unsure whether your symptoms point to gum disease, the best first step is an evaluation. We measure your gums, review your health history, and use 2D or 3D imaging when needed, including CBCT imaging, to understand what's happening with the supporting bone.
What does gum disease treatment involve?
Treatment usually starts with a thorough evaluation and a deep cleaning. From there, the plan is tailored to how far the condition has progressed. During scaling and root planing, we work section by section to remove bacteria and tartar from the pockets around each tooth. This gives the gums a cleaner surface to reattach to and heal against.
When deeper problems are present, our periodontist offers more advanced options. These include periodontal surgery, periodontal regeneration, gum grafting for recession, bone grafting, gingivectomy, crown lengthening, and laser dentistry. Here's what to expect at each step:
- A full periodontal exam with gum measurements and imaging
- A clear explanation of your diagnosis and treatment options
- Deep cleaning or periodontal procedures based on your needs
- Follow-up visits to check how your gums are healing
- An ongoing periodontal maintenance schedule
Will treatment be uncomfortable?
Most patients find that we can keep them comfortable throughout treatment. We numb the areas being treated, and we offer several sedation options. Many people put off gum care because of dental anxiety, so we take that concern seriously.
Our office has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Simi Valley patients who have avoided the dentist for years can talk with us about which level of sedation fits the procedure and their comfort level.
How do I care for my gums after treatment?
Aftercare is what keeps your results on track. Gum disease is a condition to manage over time, not a single fix. After treatment, we'll show you brushing and flossing techniques for the areas that need extra attention. We'll also give you instructions specific to any procedure you had.
Most patients then move to periodontal maintenance, which means cleanings scheduled more often than a standard six-month visit. These appointments let us remove new buildup before it settles into the pockets and keep an eye on any changes. For patients with dental implants, we also provide implant maintenance to help protect the gum tissue around them.
How can I pay for gum disease treatment?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans. Our periodontal services are billed as specialist care. We'll help you understand your coverage before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available if you'd like to spread out the cost of your care. When you contact our office from Simi Valley, our team can review your options with you and help you schedule a periodontal evaluation.