Periodontal Surgery in Westlake Village
If your gums have started pulling back from your teeth, bleed when you brush, or haven't improved after a deep cleaning, you may be wondering what comes next. For many of our patients in Westlake Village, the answer is periodontal surgery. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office has a board-certified periodontist on staff, so you can get specialized gum care without being sent elsewhere. You also don't need a referral to schedule with us.
Periodontal surgery is a group of procedures that treat the gums and the structures that support your teeth. Sometimes gum disease or gum recession has progressed beyond what a cleaning can manage. At that point, surgery lets our periodontist reach and treat areas that can't be addressed from the surface. We usually recommend it after nonsurgical options like scaling and root planing have been considered or tried.
The right procedure depends on what we find. Our periodontics team performs gum grafting for receded gums and periodontal regeneration to address lost supporting structures. We also offer crown lengthening to expose more tooth before a restoration and gum contouring to reshape the gumline. When a tooth can't be saved, we also place dental implants and can perform bone grafting to prepare the site.
Patients from Westlake Village come to us in many different situations. Some have been told they have advancing gum disease and want a specialist's opinion. Others notice that their teeth look longer as the gums recede. Still others need a tooth prepared for a crown, or want a gummy smile evened out. Because we're a full family practice, we see patients across a wide range of ages and needs.
Having general dentistry, periodontics, and sedation under one roof means your care stays connected. Your general dentist, periodontist, and restorative team can coordinate directly instead of passing records between separate offices. For Westlake Village families who already see us for checkups, gum treatment simply becomes another part of the care you receive here.
Am I a candidate for periodontal surgery?
You may be a candidate if you have gum disease or gum recession that needs more than routine care. The only way to know for sure is an exam with our periodontist. During your first visit, we look closely at your gums and measure the spaces around your teeth. We also review imaging, since our office provides 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT, when a more detailed view is needed.
From there, we explain what we see in plain terms and talk through your options. Sometimes a nonsurgical approach is the right starting point. In other cases, a specific procedure such as grafting or crown lengthening makes more sense. You'll leave knowing what we recommend and why, so you can decide with confidence.
What happens during and after the procedure?
On the day of treatment, our periodontist performs the planned procedure while keeping you as comfortable as possible. If you feel anxious about dental work, our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers several options:
- Nitrous oxide for light relaxation
- Oral sedation for a calmer experience
- IV sedation for deeper relaxation
- General anesthesia when appropriate
Aftercare matters just as much as the procedure itself. Before you head home, we give you clear instructions on eating, cleaning around the treated area, and what to watch for as you heal. We then schedule follow-up visits to check your progress. Many patients continue with periodontal maintenance appointments to help keep their gums healthy over time. If you have implants, we also provide implant maintenance.
How can I pay for periodontal surgery?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we work with self-pay patients too. Because our periodontics team files claims as a specialist, we can help you understand how your plan applies to your treatment before you commit.
We also offer financing for patients who would like to spread out the cost of care. During your consultation, we'll walk you through your treatment plan and your payment options so there are no surprises. Our goal is to make specialized gum care practical for Westlake Village patients and their families. If your gums have been bothering you, give our team a call to schedule your visit.