Periodontal Surgery in Woodland Hills
Gums do more than frame a smile. They hold teeth in place, protect the roots, and keep bacteria from reaching the bone underneath. When gum disease or gum recession moves past what a cleaning can manage, everyday things like chewing comfortably or brushing without bleeding can start to feel uncertain. For patients in Woodland Hills who have been told they may need periodontal surgery, our team at 805 Dentistry helps you understand your options clearly and move forward with confidence. Our Thousand Oaks office has a board-certified periodontist on staff, and you can see us without a referral.
Periodontal surgery is a group of procedures that treat the gums and the supporting structures around the teeth. Some procedures focus on clearing infection from deep gum pockets. Others rebuild tissue that has been lost or reshape the gumline so teeth can be restored or look more balanced. Because these treatments involve the foundation of your smile, we have them performed by our periodontist, a dentist with advanced training in gum and bone health.
At 805 Dentistry, our periodontal care includes gum grafting, periodontal regeneration, crown lengthening, gingivectomy, cosmetic gum contouring, and bone grafting. We also offer laser dentistry. Many periodontal patients eventually need dental implants, and our periodontist places implants and provides implant maintenance, so Woodland Hills families can keep this care with one team instead of coordinating between several offices.
Periodontal surgery is often recommended after nonsurgical care, such as scaling and root planing, has been tried and some areas still need more help. Common situations include gum pockets that remain deep and hard to keep clean, receding gums that leave roots exposed or sensitive, and bone loss around teeth. Others involve a tooth that has broken near the gumline and needs more exposed structure before a crown can be placed.
Not every case is about disease. Some patients come to us because their gums cover too much of the teeth or sit unevenly, and cosmetic gum contouring can create a more even appearance. Others are preparing for implants and need bone or tissue support first. Whatever brings you in from Woodland Hills, we start with a thorough exam and imaging so our recommendation matches what is happening in your mouth.
What happens during periodontal surgery at our office?
The process begins with a consultation in which our periodontist reviews your exam findings and imaging, explains which procedure fits your needs, and answers your questions. Our office provides 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT, which helps us see the bone and surrounding structures in detail before treatment. Your plan depends on whether we are cleaning deep pockets, adding grafted tissue, encouraging regeneration, or reshaping the gumline.
Comfort is a priority. Our practice has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff, and we offer several levels of sedation for patients who feel anxious. Here is a general look at what to expect:
- A consultation and imaging to plan your treatment
- A discussion of sedation choices, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia
- The procedure itself, performed by our board-certified periodontist
- Personalized aftercare instructions before you head home
- Follow-up visits to check healing and plan ongoing maintenance
Having an on-site dental lab also helps when periodontal treatment is part of a larger restorative plan, such as crowns after crown lengthening or restorations on implants.
What is recovery like, and how do I keep my results?
Most patients recover by following a few simple steps at home, and we give you specific instructions for your procedure. These often include guidance on gentle cleaning around the treated area, which foods to choose while you heal, and what to expect over the first days. If something does not feel right, call us. We offer emergency dental appointments when urgent concerns come up.
Long-term success depends on keeping the area healthy. That is why we recommend periodontal maintenance, a type of cleaning designed for patients with a history of gum disease. These regular visits let our team monitor your gums, remove buildup before it causes problems, and catch changes early. Many Woodland Hills patients pair these visits with routine exams for other family members, since our office sees children and adults of all ages.
How can I pay for periodontal surgery?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our periodontics office files claims as a specialist. Before treatment, our team can help you understand how your plan may apply so you know what to expect. Coverage varies from plan to plan, and we will walk you through the details.
If you do not have insurance, we welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread out the cost of care. Our goal is to make sure cost questions are answered up front, so you can focus on your health. If you live in Woodland Hills and want a clear explanation of your gum health, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule a consultation with our team.