Gum Disease Treatment in West Hills
Tender, bleeding gums can seem like a small annoyance that's easy to ignore while you juggle work, school runs, and everything else on your calendar. But gum disease is one of the most common reasons adults lose teeth, and it often progresses quietly before it hurts. For families and individuals in West Hills, our team at 805 Dentistry offers gum disease treatment that catches problems early, addresses advanced cases thoroughly, and helps you keep your natural smile healthy for the long run.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It begins when plaque and hardened tartar build up along and beneath the gumline. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, you might notice redness, puffiness, or bleeding when you brush or floss. As it advances into periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria collect. Over time, the bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth can break down.
Because the early signs are often painless, many people don't realize anything is wrong until they come in for a routine dental exam. That is why we evaluate gum health at every checkup for patients of all ages. Common warning signs include persistent bad breath, gums that bleed easily, receding gums that make teeth look longer, sensitivity near the gumline, and teeth that feel loose or seem to be shifting.
Your first visit focuses on understanding exactly what is happening in your mouth. We start with a thorough exam that includes measuring the depth of the spaces between your gums and teeth. We also use 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging when it's helpful, to look at the bone supporting your teeth. This gives us a clear picture of whether you're dealing with early gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease.
From there, we walk you through what we found and talk through your options in plain language. Our practice includes a board-certified periodontist on staff, so if your case calls for specialized gum care, you don't need to look elsewhere or obtain a referral first. West Hills patients appreciate being able to handle everything from cleanings to advanced periodontal care in one office, alongside the rest of their family's dental needs.
What does gum disease treatment involve?
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed, and for many patients it begins with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. During scaling, we remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces so the gums have a better chance to reattach and bacteria have fewer places to hide.
When the disease is more advanced, we offer additional options such as:
- Laser dentistry to treat affected gum tissue
- Periodontal surgery to access and clean deep pockets
- Gum grafting to address recession and cover exposed roots
- Periodontal regeneration and bone grafting to support areas where tissue or bone has been lost
- Crown lengthening or gingivectomy when gum tissue needs to be reshaped
If dental visits make you nervous, we offer several sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on our team. We'll talk with you about what fits your comfort level and the procedure you need.
How do I care for my gums after treatment?
Ongoing care at home and in our office is what helps protect your results after treatment. Gum disease can return if plaque builds back up, so we'll show you brushing and flossing techniques suited to your mouth and point out any areas that need extra attention. After a deep cleaning or procedure, some tenderness or sensitivity is common, and we'll give you specific instructions for the days that follow.
Many patients transition to periodontal maintenance, which involves more frequent, specialized cleanings than a standard checkup. These visits let us monitor pocket depths, clear away buildup before it causes trouble, and adjust your care plan as needed. If you have dental implants or later choose them to replace missing teeth, we also provide implant maintenance to keep the surrounding gums healthy.
How can I pay for gum disease treatment?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your coverage applies to your gum disease treatment. Because treatment ranges from a deep cleaning to more involved procedures, we'll explain your options and review costs with you before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who would like to spread payments over time. Our goal is to make healthy gums achievable for every West Hills patient who comes to us, whether you're addressing early bleeding or a more advanced condition. If you've noticed changes in your gums, reach out to our team to schedule an exam.