Clove Dental Blog

Gum Disease Treatment and Insurance Options with a Periodontist in Sherman Oaks

Written by Clove Dental Team | Oct 16, 2025 1:22:55 PM

Early signs of gum disease can include bleeding gums, bad breath and gum recession. Learn how a trusted periodontist in Sherman Oaks can help treat periodontal disease, protect your smile and maximize your dental insurance benefits with personalized care at Clove Dental.

Key Takeaways

  • Gum disease can develop without any pain and is a silent condition.
  • Early treatment can help to avoid tooth loss, gum recession and bone damage.
  • Bleeding gums, bad breath and loose teeth are common symptoms.
  • Deep cleaning, scaling and root planing or advanced treatments may be part of the professional periodontal treatment.
  • Many dental insurance policies will cover some or all of the cost of the surgery to treat gum disease.
  • Clove Dental in Sherman Oaks provides a professional periodontal treatment, works with insurance plans and has flexible payment methods.
  • Daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits are the best ways to prevent gum disease.

When most people think about their oral health, their first thought is usually cavities. But there’s another condition that affects nearly half of adults in the U.S. gum disease. Gum disease often starts without symptoms but it can lead to serious issues if ignored.

At Clove Dental in Sherman Oaks, we regularly see patients who come in for routine checkups only to discover the early warning signs of gum disease. People often find themselves surprised by the fact that they are able to save a substantial amount of money on their dental insurance for periodontal care, as it is much more affordable than they thought.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums and other tissue that supports your teeth. It begins by the accumulation of plaque, a sticky substance of bacteria, around the gum line. If not removed through brushing, flossing and professional cleanings, plaque hardens into tartar. This causes the gums to become irritated and to cause inflammation.

There are two major phases-

  • Gingivitis- the initial stage, red, swollen gums which can bleed easily.
  • Periodontitis- the advanced stage, where gums pull away from the teeth, bone loss occurs and teeth may loosen or shift.

The tricky part is that gum disease doesn’t always cause pain at first which is why many patients don’t realize they have it until it becomes severe.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you notice any of the following, it may be time to see a periodontist in Sherman Oaks for an evaluation-

  • Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing.
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
  • Receding gums, making teeth look longer than before.
  • Loose or sensitive teeth.
  • Gum swelling and/or tenderness.

If symptoms seem mild, early detection of gum disease can prevent the need for more serious gum disease treatment later.

What Happens During a Gum Disease Visit?

Patients who present with gum problems will receive the following treatment-

  • Thorough Examination- We will examine your gums, measure pocket depths and use imaging to check if there are any problems with your underlying bone structure.
  • Cleaning & Treatment- If the gingivitis is caused by excessive plaque, a cleaning & treatment could be enough. Scaling and root planing is effective in removing subgingival tartar in more severe cases.
  • Personal Care Plan- Each mouth is unique. A plan will be developed that could involve more frequent cleanings, antibiotic treatment or referral for more complex periodontal treatment.

Our goal is not only to treat the disease but to teach you how to maintain healthy gums at home.

Insurance Coverage for Gum Disease

One of the most common questions we get is: “Will my insurance cover periodontal treatment?”

The encouraging news is that most dental insurance plans do cover gum disease treatment, at least in part. Depending on your plan, you may be covered for-

  • Regular periodontal maintenance visits.
  • Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning).
  • Surgery for severe periodontal disease.

Our Sherman Oaks office has an experienced insurance team that helps patients maximize their benefits. We review your coverage, explain your out-of-pocket costs clearly and file claims directly with your provider so you don’t have to stress about the paperwork.

For those without insurance, we also offer flexible payment options to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to healthy gums.

Why Choose Clove Dental for Periodontal Care in Sherman Oaks?

While there are many dentists in the Valley, patients choose us because we combine advanced periodontal care with patient-friendly conveniences. We are in Sherman Oaks, parking is available free of charge and visits are hassle-free at our office.

We also have board certified experts such as Dr. Sanchita Mehra, a periodontist, on our staff. Dr. Mehra has been treating gum disease at all stages for years, and is experienced and compassionate with all patients. She works with our general dentists to provide patients with full services in-house.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

While we’re here to treat gum disease, our ultimate goal is to help patients prevent it altogether. Here are a few daily habits that make a big difference-

  • Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
  • Floss at least once daily to remove plaque between teeth.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.
  • Don’t skip regular checkups and professional cleanings.
  • Quit smoking, which is a major risk factor for gum disease.

Small steps at home, combined with professional care, can help you avoid the discomfort and costs associated with advanced periodontal disease.

Final Thoughts

Gum disease may be common but it doesn’t have to control your smile. With early detection, expert treatment and the right insurance coverage, you can keep your gums and teeth healthy for years to come.

If you are aware of any symptoms, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or anything else you should be concerned with, do not wait to get your gums and teeth checked. Call us at Clove Dental today to book an appointment. We are a team of Sherman Oaks dentists and periodontists who can offer comfortable, effective dental care and our insurance representatives will ensure you maximize your dental benefits.

Your gums deserve as much attention as your teeth. Take the first step toward a healthier smile today.

FAQs

What are the first signs of gum disease?

Early signs of gum disease include red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath and gum tenderness. Some individuals may experience gum recession or tooth sensitivity as well.

When should I see a periodontist in Sherman Oaks?

You should visit a periodontist if you notice bleeding gums, loose teeth, gum recession or chronic bad breath. With early treatment gum disease may be prevented from reaching an advanced state.

Does dental insurance cover gum disease treatment?

Yes, many dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatments such as deep cleanings, scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance visits. Coverage varies depending on your specific plan.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Once the gums begin to recede, it is called gingivitis, which is the first phase of gum disease, and is usually treatable by deep cleaning and better hygiene practices. While the advanced periodontitis can be managed and controlled, it may not be completely reversible.

What are some steps I can take at home to avoid gum disease?

The best ways to reduce your risk of gum disease are to brush twice a day, floss every day, use an antibacterial mouthwash and go for regular dental checkup