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Gum surgery for periodontal disease in West Hills Los Angeles, CA

Gum Surgery West Hills CA

Periodontal disease is widespread, affecting approximately half of adults over 30 in the United States. Its early symptoms are typically mild nuisances, such as puffy gums or bleeding when you brush. But when gum disease is left untreated, it can progress into a much more severe oral health issue, leading to loss of gum tissue and even bone and tooth loss. At the Royal Dental Practice in West Hills Los Angeles, CA, we help patients restore health to their gums with various periodontal disease treatment options, including gum surgery.

Periodontal disease explained

Understanding why gum surgery might be necessary helps to know what happens to your teeth and gums when you have gum disease. It starts due to a buildup of plaque and bacteria on your teeth, which causes your gums to become infected and pull away from the teeth, which can cause small pockets to develop. When this happens, even more bacteria and plaque can collect in the pockets that are impossible to eliminate with brushing and flossing at home, causing further damage to your gums and the underlying bone structure.

Types of gum surgery

Treatment for gum disease varies based on its severity. In its later stages, one or more types of gum surgery may be required to help restore health to the tissues and provide proper support for your teeth.

  • Flap surgery, or pocket reduction, is used to remove the bacteria from the pockets formed between your teeth and gums. After sanitizing the pockets, they are secured against your teeth to create a healthy seal and prevent further bacterial infiltration.
  • Gum grafting may be used to help replace gum tissue that has naturally receded or been removed to treat gum disease. We take a small piece of tissue from another location in the mouth and attach it to the area where tissues have been lost, which helps cover the sensitive tooth root and improves your gums’ appearance.
  • Crown lengthening can remove overgrown gum tissue from the teeth, which can occur due to gum disease. Also crown lengthening may be needed for the purposes of restorative dentistry,when there is subgingival decay and/or the length of the clinical portion of the tooth is so short that makes the crown placement impossible due to lack of support and retention.This in turn could be detrimental to the future of a crown and can cause premature loss of the crown.  

Advanced Gum Surgery for Serious Periodontal Issues

Advanced gum disease requires expert care—and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Roya Shoffet provides skilled gum surgery to treat severe periodontal conditions, reduce pocket depth, and regenerate healthy tissue. We use modern techniques to minimize discomfort and maximize recovery. Don’t let untreated gum disease jeopardize your smile. Take action with trusted periodontal care. Call (818) 334-6655 or book your evaluation online today to see if gum surgery suits your dental needs.

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Gum Surgery FAQs

What is gum surgery, and when is it needed?

Gum surgery refers to procedures designed to treat advanced gum disease. These include flap surgery, gingival grafting, or crown lengthening. These procedures are effective when non-surgical treatments aren’t. These surgeries help repair damaged gum tissue, reduce deep pockets where bacteria collect, and restore support around teeth. At Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, Los Angeles, California, you’re guided through which procedure fits your needs based on clinical findings, ensuring that your smile regains health and stability in the gentlest, most effective way.

What happens during flap surgery (pocket reduction)?

Flap surgery involves gently lifting the gum tissue to access and clean deep pockets around the teeth. After removing harmful bacteria beneath the gumline, the tissue is repositioned and secured to form a tighter, healthier seal. This helps halt disease progression and promotes gum reattachment. Flap surgery is performed precisely with your comfort in mind at our office, and post-operative guidance ensures smooth healing and long-term stability for both gums and teeth.

What is gum grafting, and who benefits from it?

Gum grafting restores gum tissue where recession has exposed tooth roots. Tissue is taken from another site in the mouth and carefully attached to cover sensitive areas. This helps reduce tooth sensitivity, protects root surfaces, and improves smile aesthetics. Patients experiencing root exposure or uneven gum lines benefit greatly from this compassionate, restorative procedure. Our expert periodontist ensures grafting is done with precision, promoting healthy tissue regeneration and lasting protection.

How does crown lengthening help, and when is it performed?

Crown lengthening sometimes removes excess gum tissue—or bone—to expose more of the tooth structure. This is useful for cosmetic and restorative reasons: it brightens “gummy” smiles and creates sufficient space for crowns when decay is deep or tooth length is compromised. Crown lengthening is customized to each patient’s needs, balancing function and aesthetics to ensure healthy, lasting results.

Will gum surgery hurt, and what is recovery like?

Modern gum surgery is performed with effective local anesthesia, and often even sedation if needed, to ensure a pain-free procedure. Gentle techniques are paired with clear pre- and post-operative care instructions at our office. After surgery, mild swelling or tenderness may occur for a few days, but it is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods. Most patients return to normal activities within a week. Consistent follow-up ensures your healing stays on track.

How long does it take to heal after gum surgery?

Healing time varies by procedure: flap surgery and crown lengthening usually require a few days to a week for initial recovery. At the same time, gum grafting may take slightly longer for tissue integration. Detailed aftercare supports optimal healing, including rinses, diet suggestions, and oral hygiene guidance. Follow-up visits ensure tissues are recovering well, leading to strong, healthy gums in the weeks following surgery.

Does insurance cover gum surgery, and what are the costs?

Coverage for gum surgery varies by insurance provider and treatment type. Procedures like flap surgery or grafting may be partially covered when necessary. We help patients understand their benefits and provide transparent cost estimates upfront. We also offer flexible financing options and an in-house dental membership plan to make advanced periodontal care more accessible, so you can confidently invest in long-term oral health.

What are the benefits of getting gum surgery at Royal Dental Practice?

Choosing us ensures you receive expert periodontal care backed by experience, the latest techniques, and personal attention. Whether it’s flap surgery, gum grafting, or crown lengthening, each procedure is performed with precision and gentle care. We prioritize patient comfort, clear communication, and aesthetic results to ensure your gum health is restored effectively, compassionately, and with excellent outcomes.

Can gum surgery improve the appearance of my smile?

Absolutely. Many gum surgery procedures have cosmetic benefits. Gum grafting can even out gum levels and cover unsightly root exposure; crown lengthening reshapes the gumline for a balanced, brighter smile; flap surgery restores healthy contours. When performed thoughtfully, these treatments protect your oral health and enhance your smile’s beauty. Functional and aesthetic goals go hand in hand for results you feel confident about.

What should I expect during my gum surgery consultation?

At your consultation, Royal Dental Practice in West Hills, Los Angeles, CA, will examine your gum health, review imaging or probing measurements, and recommend the appropriate procedure—be it flap surgery, grafting, or crown lengthening. Dr. Shoffet explains the process clearly, discusses anesthesia options, and outlines recovery expectations and costs. You’ll leave with a personalized treatment plan, knowing exactly what to expect and feeling empowered to restore gum health and a confident smile.

Gentle care for your gums

At Royal Dental Practice, we take extra care to ensure that your dental experience is comfortable and painless. We use modern dental anesthetics and a gentle touch and will take the time to explain all you need to know about your treatment beforehand so that you know what to expect and how to take care of your mouth afterward. To schedule an appointment at our West Hills Los Angeles, CA office, call (818) 334-6655 or book your appointment online.

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Dr. Roya Shoffer Yaghoubian
Bringing over 30 years of creative talent, skill, experience, and knowledge Dr. Roya Shoffet-Yaghoubian is a phenomenal doctor. Her drive to achieve the best result has earned her a spotless reputation in terms of dental excellence and as a great person, kind and empathetic towards the needs of her patients.

Her dental education at USC School of Dentistry and her long life eagerness for learning thru extensive courses and numerous seminars has brought her to become this successful passionate dentist that all her patients appreciate very much and travel from near and far. Dr. Roya Shoffet-Yaghoubian is a member of American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Fernando Valley Dental Society. Her capabilities range from all aspects of general dentistry including cosmetic dentistry to more complex restorative and periodontics, and oral surgery for all ages especially highly experienced and well known for geriatric dentistry, giving her patients a variety of options under the same roof.

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