When gum disease moves below the gumline and pockets stay deep after cleanings, home care alone may no longer reach the bacteria driving the damage. Surgical periodontics at Empower Dental Upland gives our dentists direct access to those areas so they can clean root surfaces thoroughly, reshape damaged bone, and help the gums fit snugly around each tooth again.
Surgery is usually considered after nonsurgical care has been tried, and it is one part of the broader periodontal care we provide in Upland. Our goal is to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible with a plan that fits your health, comfort, and schedule.
Deep pockets rarely improve on their own. A timely surgical evaluation may help you avoid loose teeth, extractions, and more extensive work later.
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Surgical periodontics covers procedures that treat the gums and supporting bone once infection has created pockets too deep to clean from above the gumline. The most common is pocket reduction surgery, sometimes called flap or osseous surgery. Others focus on regenerating lost bone or covering exposed roots.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains how gum disease develops and why early care matters.
During pocket reduction, the dentist gently folds back the gum tissue to see the tooth roots and the bone beneath. Hardened tartar and infected tissue are removed, and uneven bone may be smoothed so the gums can reattach more closely.
Shallower pockets give bacteria fewer places to hide. In many cases, that makes daily brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings far more effective.
Some patients need more than pocket reduction. When bone or gum tissue has been lost, regenerative techniques such as bone grafts and protective membranes may encourage new support to form around the tooth.
Exposed roots may be covered with a tissue graft, which we describe on our gum grafting and bone regeneration page. Teeth that need more exposed structure for a restoration may benefit from crown lengthening.
Surgical treatment may reduce harmful bacteria, decrease pocket depth, and slow further bone loss around affected teeth. Healthier gums can also help teeth feel more stable and may lower the chance of future tooth loss.
Planning starts with 3D digital scanning and AI-assisted radiograph analysis, which help our team measure bone levels and map each treatment area in advance.
* This calculator provides an illustrative estimate by dividing the treatment cost by the selected number of months. It excludes interest and fees and is not a financing offer. Actual monthly payments may be higher.
* Financing is offered through independent third-party lenders. Approval, rates, fees, terms, and available repayment periods are determined by the respective provider. Contact our office or review the provider’s application for current options.
Scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gumline, is usually the first step for gum disease. If pockets remain deep or keep bleeding at your reevaluation visit, surgery may be the next step. Our laser periodontal therapy may also be an option for some patients, and we will explain how each approach compares for you.
Evaluation. We measure pocket depths, review digital images, and talk through your medical history and medications.
Comfort. The area is fully numbed. If you feel anxious, sedation options such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia may be available.
Treatment. The dentist cleans the roots, reshapes bone if needed, places any graft material, and closes the gums with small sutures.
Follow-up. We check healing, remove sutures if needed, and set up a periodontal maintenance schedule.
Surgery may be worth discussing if you notice any of these warning signs or if your dentist has found them during an exam.
Smoking, diabetes, and certain medications can affect healing, so we review your overall health before recommending surgery.
Mild soreness and swelling are common for a few days and can often be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication. Most people eat soft foods for a short period, and many return to work within a day or two. As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, gum shrinkage, or temporary tooth sensitivity, and we review them with you in advance.
The cost depends on how many areas need treatment and whether grafting is involved, so we provide an itemized estimate after your evaluation. We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA. Financing through Alphaeon and Happen Bank may help you spread payments over time, and our financing and insurance page explains how to get started.
Our dentists practice as Super GPs, so the same team that diagnoses your gum disease can carry your care through surgery and maintenance. Our staff speaks English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Armenian. Contact Empower Dental Upland to schedule a periodontal evaluation.
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Contact our Upland office for details about available financing plans and application links.
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At Empower Dental Upland in Upland, CA, advanced tools mean better care. By investing in the latest dental technology, we diagnose with greater accuracy, treat with more precision, and help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile—often with less discomfort along the way.
The area is numbed during treatment, and sedation may be available if you feel anxious. Afterward, most people describe soreness rather than sharp pain, and it usually eases over several days.
Initial healing of the gums often takes one to two weeks. Bone and grafted tissue mature more slowly over several months, and we monitor progress at follow-up visits.
A deep cleaning works below the gumline without opening the gums. Surgery lifts the tissue so the dentist can see and treat the roots and bone directly, which may help when pockets are too deep for a cleaning to reach.
Gums may sit slightly lower after pocket reduction, which can make some teeth look a bit longer. If this is a concern, we can discuss grafting or cosmetic options during planning.
Plan on soft, cool foods for the first several days and avoid chewing on the treated side. We will let you know when it is safe to return to your usual diet.
Yes. Periodontal maintenance visits, often every three to four months, help keep pockets shallow and catch any changes early.
Coverage varies by plan. We accept all PPO plans in network, along with HSA and FSA. Our team can review your benefits before treatment begins.
In some cases, reducing infection and rebuilding support may help a loose tooth become more stable. If a tooth cannot be saved, we will talk through replacement options such as dental implants.
Many appointments last about one to two hours, depending on how many areas are treated. Larger cases may be divided into several visits.
Contact our Upland office about financing options
At Empower Dental Upland, we believe high-quality care should be accessible to every patient. To make treatment more affordable, we partner with trusted financing providers. Available plans, interest rates, and repayment terms vary by provider and are subject to approval. Contact our office or review the provider’s application for current options.
From implants and crowns to cosmetic treatments and smile makeovers, our financing options are designed to help you move forward with your care—without delay.
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At Empower Dental Upland, we stand behind the quality of our work with warranties tailored to your specific treatment. Our fixed hybrid prosthetics include a Lifetime Warranty, provided you maintain your recommended hygiene visits and ongoing care. For crowns and other fixed restorations, we offer a 5-year warranty as long as you keep up with regular exams, cleanings, and any dentist-recommended maintenance.
To stay eligible for warranty protection, you’ll need to complete all suggested maintenance at the intervals outlined by the provider or manufacturer. Failure to follow and document routine care could lead to reduced or voided coverage. Proof of service may be required if a claim is submitted.
