Periodontal Surgery in West Hills
If your gums bleed when you brush, feel tender, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, you may already suspect that a routine cleaning won't be enough. For many of our patients in West Hills, that concern is what first brings them to talk with us about periodontal surgery. At 805 Dentistry, our board-certified periodontist works alongside our general dental team in Thousand Oaks. That means you can have your gum health evaluated, treated, and maintained in one familiar place, and you don't need a referral to schedule a visit.
Periodontal surgery is a group of procedures that treat the gums and the structures that support your teeth when nonsurgical care alone isn't the right fit. Gum disease often starts quietly. Over time, it can create deep pockets around the teeth, cause gum recession, or affect the bone that holds teeth in place. Depending on what we find, surgical care may focus on cleaning beneath the gumline, rebuilding lost tissue, or reshaping the gums.
Our periodontics office offers a broad range of these procedures. We perform gum grafting to cover exposed roots, periodontal regeneration and bone grafting to help rebuild supporting structures, and crown lengthening to expose more of a tooth before it is restored. We also offer gingivectomy and cosmetic gum contouring to remove or reshape excess gum tissue. Because we also place dental implants and provide implant maintenance, we can plan your care with your long-term tooth replacement needs in mind.
Patients from West Hills come to us with many different needs. Some have been told they have advanced gum disease. Others notice their teeth looking longer as their gums recede. Some need a tooth prepared for a crown, and others simply want a more even gumline. Each of these situations calls for a different approach. Our goal is to match the treatment to the problem rather than apply one formula to everyone.
Having general dentistry, periodontics, and imaging under one roof helps us coordinate your care. We offer 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, interpreted with the help of a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist. These images give us a clearer view of the bone and tissue before we recommend anything. Our on-site dental lab also supports restorative work that may follow your gum treatment.
Am I a candidate for periodontal surgery?
You may be a candidate if gum disease or gum tissue problems haven't responded to, or are beyond the reach of, nonsurgical care. Many patients first receive scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gumline. If pockets remain deep or tissue has been lost, surgery may be the next step.
Other common reasons include receding gums that expose root surfaces, too little tooth structure showing above the gums for a restoration, or excess gum tissue that affects how your smile looks. During your consultation, we examine your gums, review your imaging, and explain your options in plain language. If surgery isn't the best choice for you, we will tell you that too.
What happens during and after treatment?
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation, and then we walk you through each step of your personalized plan. Here is what you can generally expect:
- Consultation and imaging to understand the condition of your gums and bone
- A clear treatment plan that explains the recommended procedure and the reasons for it
- Comfort options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia provided by our board-certified dental anesthesiologist
- The procedure itself, performed by our board-certified periodontist
- Follow-up visits to check your healing
After surgery, we give you specific home care instructions for your procedure, covering eating, cleaning, and what to watch for while you heal. Long-term success depends on ongoing care, so many patients continue with periodontal maintenance visits. These are more focused cleanings designed to keep gum disease under control. If anything feels unusual during recovery, our office also offers 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 periodontics office files insurance claims as a specialist, and we're glad to help you understand how your plan applies before treatment begins.
Costs vary based on the type and extent of treatment you need, so we review the details with you after your evaluation. We want you to make decisions with full information and without pressure. For West Hills families who also see us for cleanings, orthodontics, or other care, keeping everything in one practice can make planning and scheduling simpler. When you're ready, reach out to our team to schedule a periodontal consultation.