Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It usually begins when plaque and tartar build up along and below the gumline, irritating the gums and allowing bacteria to settle in. In its earliest form, often called gingivitis, you might notice redness, swelling, or bleeding. Left alone, it can progress into periodontitis, where the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form deeper pockets that are hard to clean at home.

Our gum disease treatment is designed for anyone noticing those changes, whether you're a busy parent, a professional who's put off appointments for a while, or someone managing other dental work like implants or restorations. Because we see children and adults of all ages, we're also able to keep an eye on gum health for the whole family. Our team includes a board-certified periodontist, so patients with more complex needs can receive specialized periodontal care right here in our office. No referral is required to be seen.

The right treatment depends on how far the condition has progressed, and we start by taking a careful look. During your exam, we check your gums, measure the depth of the spaces around your teeth, and use dental imaging to understand what's happening beneath the surface. From there, we explain what we found in plain terms and walk you through your options.

For many patients, the foundation of care is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes buildup from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can heal more snugly around the teeth. When needed, we also offer laser dentistry, periodontal surgery, and periodontal regeneration. For patients whose gums have receded, gum grafting can help cover exposed roots. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve:

• A thorough exam and imaging to assess pocket depth and bone support
• Deep cleaning through scaling and root planing
• Advanced options such as laser dentistry or periodontal surgery when appropriate
• Gum grafting or regeneration procedures for recession or tissue loss
• An ongoing periodontal maintenance schedule to protect your results

What happens after treatment, and how do I keep my gums healthy?

Healing usually starts soon after treatment, and your day-to-day habits play a big role in keeping your gums healthy long term. You may notice some tenderness or sensitivity for a short time, and we'll give you specific instructions for brushing, flossing, and caring for treated areas while they settle.

Gum disease is a condition that needs ongoing attention, so we typically recommend periodontal maintenance visits on a schedule suited to your needs. These appointments go beyond a standard cleaning, letting us monitor pocket depths and catch changes early. If you have dental implants, we also provide implant maintenance to help protect the gum and bone around them.

How do I get started?

The best first step is a visit so we can see what's going on and answer your questions in person. We welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Calabasas, Oxnard, Ventura, West Hills, Woodland Hills, and the surrounding communities.

Whether you've just noticed a few warning signs or you've been living with gum concerns for a while, we're here to help you feel confident about your smile again. Reach out to 805 Dentistry today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to caring for you.