Experienced Periodontal Care for Healthier Gums and Stronger Teeth
Periodontics focuses on the gums, bone and supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. When these tissues become inflamed or infected, the condition may affect the health of the teeth they support. At Konstantinos Proussaefs DDS Inc., Dr. Proussaefs evaluates gum health and discusses appropriate care, which may include deep cleaning, ongoing maintenance or a comprehensive periodontal assessment. Our Simi Valley office is here to help you understand your options.
Concerned about your gum health? Call 805-526-8296 to schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Proussaefs.
Periodontal Services
Periodontal Maintenance
Ongoing professional care to monitor gum health, remove harmful buildup and help keep periodontal disease from returning after treatment.
Learn MoreScaling & Root Planing
Deep cleaning below the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria, smooth tooth roots and help the gums reattach to the teeth.
Learn MoreWhat Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the gums and the bone surrounding the teeth. While most people think of dental care in terms of fillings and crowns, the soft tissue and bone that anchor each tooth in place are just as important. Without healthy supporting structures, even a perfectly restored tooth can become loose or be lost entirely.
The most common periodontal condition is gum disease, which begins as gingivitis — mild inflammation caused by bacterial plaque along the gumline. If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition where the gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form below the gumline and the underlying bone gradually breaks down. Periodontitis is not reversible, but with appropriate treatment it can be managed and its progression slowed or halted.
Periodontal care includes treatments such as scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance visits and, when appropriate, targeted antibiotic therapy with Arestin to address bacteria in deep gum pockets. The goal is always to control the disease, protect the supporting bone and keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.
Why Gum Health Matters More Than Most People Realize
Many patients are surprised to learn that gum disease — not cavities — is the most common reason adults lose teeth. Periodontal disease often progresses slowly and with few obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is why it frequently goes unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred.
The consequences of untreated gum disease extend beyond the mouth. Research has linked chronic periodontal infection to a range of systemic health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating gum disease is not just about protecting your teeth — it is about protecting your overall health.
When periodontal disease is left untreated, patients may experience:
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
- Receding gums that make teeth appear longer than normal
- Deep pockets between the gums and teeth that harbor bacteria
- Bone loss that weakens the foundation supporting the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth that may eventually require extraction
Early detection through regular dental exams gives you the best chance of addressing gum disease before it leads to irreversible damage. The sooner treatment begins, the more of your natural teeth and bone can be preserved.
Periodontal Care at Our Practice
Dr. Proussaefs evaluates each patient's gum health individually, from early-stage gingivitis to more advanced periodontal conditions requiring ongoing management. Treatment recommendations are based on the findings of your examination and the needs of your teeth and gums.
One advantage of receiving periodontal treatment at our practice is that Dr. Proussaefs evaluates your gum health in the context of your entire mouth. Gum disease does not exist in isolation; it directly affects restorative work like dental crowns and other treatments that depend on a stable foundation of healthy bone and tissue. By addressing periodontal concerns alongside restorative needs, he can develop a treatment plan that accounts for the full picture rather than treating each issue separately.
When appropriate, Dr. Proussaefs may recommend Arestin antibiotic therapy in conjunction with scaling and root planing to target bacteria in periodontal pockets that mechanical cleaning alone may not fully reach. Every recommendation is explained clearly so you understand why a treatment is being suggested and what to expect from it.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease does not always announce itself with pain. Many of the early warning signs are subtle enough that patients dismiss them as normal or unrelated to their oral health. Knowing what to look for can help you seek care before the disease progresses to a more advanced stage.
Common signs that may indicate periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums, especially along the gumline
- Bleeding when you brush, floss or eat firm foods
- Gums that have pulled away or receded from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Teeth that feel loose, have shifted position or appear longer
- Pus or discharge between the gums and teeth
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean you have advanced gum disease — but it does mean your gums deserve a closer look. A thorough periodontal evaluation with Dr. Proussaefs can determine the current state of your gum health and whether treatment is needed. Call 805-526-8296 to schedule an appointment.
Why Patients Choose Konstantinos Proussaefs DDS Inc. for Periodontal Care
Patients seeking periodontal care in Simi Valley, CA receive clear explanations and individualized recommendations from Dr. Proussaefs. He discusses the condition of your gums, the available treatment options and whether a conservative approach or a more involved plan is appropriate.
The practice is built on values of honesty, integrity, kindness and clear communication. Dr. Proussaefs believes patients deserve straightforward answers about their gum health, treatment options and expected outcomes. He will not recommend a procedure without explaining why it is needed and what alternatives may exist. If a case requires specialist-level care, he will tell you directly and coordinate an appropriate referral.
Because our practice also provides general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, patients receiving periodontal treatment can have their follow-up care — from routine cleanings to crown restorations — managed in the same office with the same provider. This continuity reduces the need for outside referrals and ensures consistent quality from diagnosis through long-term maintenance.
You can view examples of our dental work in the Smile Gallery.
