Periodontal Maintenance in Simi Valley
You finished your deep cleaning months ago, your gums feel better, and life in Simi Valley got busy again. Then you notice a little bleeding when you floss, or your hygienist mentions that a few pockets have deepened. That is exactly when periodontal maintenance matters. Gum disease is managed over time, and the visits after initial treatment help protect the progress you have already made. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office cares for Simi Valley patients who want to keep their gums healthy for the long haul.
Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing cleaning program for patients who have been treated for gum disease, often after scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery. A routine cleaning focuses mainly on the visible tooth surfaces and the area just at the gumline. Periodontal maintenance goes further. It reaches the pockets below the gums where bacteria and hardened deposits tend to collect again after treatment.
These visits are usually scheduled more often than standard cleanings. We set your interval based on what we see in your mouth, not on a one-size-fits-all calendar. Our team includes a board-certified periodontist, so the same specialized knowledge that guides gum disease treatment also guides your maintenance plan.
Many of our Simi Valley patients come to us after completing deep cleaning. Others have had gum grafting, periodontal regeneration, crown lengthening, or dental implants and need careful upkeep around those areas. We also provide implant maintenance, which matters because the tissue around implants needs attention too.
You may be a good candidate if a dentist has told you that you have gum disease, deep pockets, or bone loss around your teeth. Patients who have noticed recurring bleeding, puffy gums, or tartar that builds up quickly can also benefit from an evaluation. Our periodontics office accepts patients without a referral, so you can contact us directly to find out whether this care fits your situation.
What happens during a periodontal maintenance visit?
A periodontal maintenance visit combines a thorough cleaning below the gumline with a careful check of your gum health. We start by measuring your gum pockets and comparing the numbers to earlier visits. This helps us spot areas that are improving and areas that need closer attention.
Here is what a typical appointment includes:
- Measuring pocket depths and checking for bleeding or inflammation
- Removing plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Cleaning around crowns, bridges, and dental implants
- Polishing tooth surfaces
- Reviewing your home care routine with practical tips
- Updating your maintenance schedule based on what we find
If we notice changes that need more than maintenance, we will talk with you about your options. Because we offer gum disease treatment, periodontal surgery, and bone grafting in our practice, we can explain next steps clearly instead of sending you elsewhere. For patients who feel nervous about dental visits, we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation when appropriate.
How should I care for my gums between visits?
Consistent daily care at home makes each maintenance visit more effective. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, angling the bristles toward the gumline. Clean between your teeth every day with floss or another tool we recommend for your spacing. If you have implants or bridges, we will show you how to clean around them properly.
Pay attention to warning signs between appointments. Bleeding, tenderness, swelling, a bad taste, or teeth that feel loose are worth a call to our office. Keeping your scheduled visits is just as important. Skipping maintenance gives bacteria time to settle back into the pockets we have worked to clean. We are happy to help Simi Valley patients plan appointment times that work around their schedules.
How can I pay for periodontal maintenance?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our periodontics office files claims as a specialist. Our team can help you understand how your plan applies before your visit, so you know what to expect.
If you do not have insurance, we welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available to help spread out the cost of care. Ask our front desk about your options when you call, and we will walk you through them in plain terms.
Because 805 Dentistry is designed as a one-stop shop for the whole family, your periodontal care can sit alongside cleanings, exams, restorative work, and more in one practice. If you live in Simi Valley and are ready to protect the results of your gum treatment, contact our office to schedule your periodontal maintenance visit.