Gum Disease Treatment in Woodland Hills
You notice a little pink in the sink after brushing, or your gums look puffier than they used to. Maybe a family member mentioned your breath, or a tooth feels slightly loose when you bite into something firm. Many people in Woodland Hills shrug off signs like these until they become hard to ignore. At 805 Dentistry, we would rather see you early. Our team treats gum disease at every stage, from a first deep cleaning to advanced periodontal care, and we welcome Woodland Hills patients and families to our Thousand Oaks office.
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It usually begins when plaque and hardened tartar build up along and below the gumline. In its early form, often called gingivitis, gums may look red, feel tender, or bleed during brushing and flossing. If the infection continues, it can move deeper and become periodontitis. At that stage, pockets form between the gums and teeth, and the supporting tissue and bone can break down over time.
Treatment depends on what we find. For many patients, the foundation is scaling and root planing, a thorough cleaning that removes buildup from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces so the gums have a cleaner surface to heal against. When a case needs more, our board-certified periodontist can provide periodontal surgery, periodontal regeneration, gum grafting, and gingivectomy. We also offer laser dentistry, and we include it in treatment plans when it suits a patient's needs.
Patients from Woodland Hills come to us for many different reasons. Some notice bleeding or receding gums. Others are referred after a routine exam, or they come straight to us without a referral, which our periodontics team accepts. Gum disease can affect children, teens, and adults. Because we see patients of all ages, families can bring everyone to one office for preventive and periodontal care.
Having a board-certified periodontist on our team means you can stay with a practice you already know as your care becomes more involved. The same office that handles your cleanings and exams can also provide gum grafting, crown lengthening, dental implants, and implant maintenance if they become part of your plan. If you want to rebuild or replace teeth later, our on-site dental lab and restorative services keep that work coordinated in one place.
What happens during gum disease treatment?
Treatment starts with a careful evaluation so we understand exactly what is happening below the gumline. During your first visit, we:
- Review your health history and any symptoms you have noticed
- Examine your gums and measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth
- Take dental imaging as needed, including 2D and 3D options such as CBCT
- Explain what we found and walk you through your treatment options
- Discuss comfort options, timing, and costs before any work begins
If scaling and root planing is the right step, we usually complete it over one or more visits, working in sections of the mouth. For patients who feel anxious, our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, so we can match the level of support to the person. More advanced cases may move on to surgical or regenerative procedures, and we explain each step before we begin.
How do I care for my gums after treatment?
Gum disease needs ongoing attention, so aftercare combines good daily habits with regular professional visits. At home, we will show you how to brush and clean between your teeth in a way that suits your mouth, and we will tell you which areas need extra care while your gums heal.
In the office, many patients move from standard cleanings to periodontal maintenance, which focuses on keeping pockets clean and catching changes early. How often you come in depends on your situation, and we adjust the schedule as we monitor your progress. If something worries you between visits, such as swelling or discomfort, call us. We offer emergency dental appointments when problems can't wait.
How can I pay for gum disease treatment?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Before treatment begins, we explain the recommended steps so you can make a decision with a clear picture of what is involved.
Our team can help you understand how your PPO benefits may apply to periodontal care. If you don't have insurance or want to spread out the cost, we will talk through self-pay and financing options with you. For Woodland Hills patients, Dr. Dar Radfar and our team aim to make periodontal care straightforward, from the first evaluation through long-term maintenance. If your gums have been sending signals, contact us to schedule a visit.