Gingivectomy in West Hills
Gum tissue plays a bigger role in daily life than most people realize. When gums grow over too much of the tooth, become puffy, or form deep pockets that trap food, brushing and flossing get harder, and a smile can look shorter or uneven. For families in West Hills, a gingivectomy can make the gums easier to care for and more comfortable to live with. At 805 Dentistry, our team offers it as part of our periodontal and cosmetic care.
A gingivectomy is a procedure in which we carefully remove and reshape excess or diseased gum tissue. The goal is a healthier, more even gumline that fits the teeth properly. It is a focused treatment. We address only the specific areas that need attention, whether that is a single tooth or a section of the smile.
West Hills patients come to us for many different reasons. Some have gum tissue that has overgrown and covers part of the tooth surface. Others have pockets around the teeth that hold plaque and bacteria even with good home care. Some simply feel their teeth look too short because of extra gum tissue. Because our office includes a board-certified periodontist on staff, gum procedures like this are handled with specialized training in the structures that support your teeth.
Gingivectomy rarely stands alone. It often fits within a broader plan, and our office provides many related services under one roof. These include gum disease treatment, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, gum contouring, crown lengthening, and gum grafting. This lets us look at the full picture of your gum health rather than treating one problem in isolation.
For West Hills families, keeping care in one practice has practical value. We see children and adults of all ages, and we also offer cleanings, exams, and restorative and cosmetic care. As a result, your gum treatment can be coordinated with your regular dental visits. You don't have to piece together care from several offices. Our periodontal specialists also accept patients without a referral, so you can contact us directly.
Am I a good candidate for a gingivectomy?
You may be a good candidate if you have excess, overgrown, or diseased gum tissue that affects your oral health or the look of your smile. The only way to know for sure is an exam, and we start there with every patient.
During your visit, we evaluate your gums, check pocket depths, and review your teeth and supporting structures. We have 2D and 3D dental imaging available when we need a closer look. Common situations we evaluate include:
- Gum pockets that make cleaning difficult at home
- Overgrown gum tissue covering part of the teeth
- An uneven gumline that makes certain teeth look shorter
- Gum concerns that remain after deep cleaning
- Cosmetic goals as part of a larger smile makeover
If a gingivectomy isn't the best fit, we'll explain why and talk through other options. These might include scaling and root planing, gum grafting, or another periodontal approach.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure begins with numbing the area so you stay comfortable. Then we remove the targeted gum tissue and shape the remaining gumline. Before we begin, we walk you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.
Laser dentistry is among the services we offer, and we'll discuss whether it suits your situation. For patients who feel anxious about dental work, our office has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. Sedation options include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Many of our West Hills patients find that knowing these choices exist makes it easier to schedule care they've been putting off.
How do I care for my gums afterward?
Aftercare focuses on keeping the treated area clean and letting the gums heal. We'll give you specific instructions before you leave. These usually cover gentle cleaning techniques, food choices for the first several days, and what to watch for.
Follow-up matters too. We'll schedule a visit to check your healing. Many patients then continue with periodontal maintenance cleanings, which help keep gum tissue healthy over time. If something feels off between visits, please call us. Our office offers emergency dental appointments when concerns come up.
How can I pay for a gingivectomy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available. Before treatment begins, we'll review your plan with you so the costs are clear.
Your coverage depends on your specific plan and on why the procedure is needed. Our team can help you understand your benefits and options. If you live in West Hills and have noticed changes in your gums, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule an evaluation. Dr. Dar Radfar and our team are glad to help you understand your options.