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Gum Care & Periodontics

Treatment for Bleeding, Swollen, or Receding Gums

Bleeding or swollen gums? Periodontist-led gum disease treatment in Mid-Wilshire, from deep cleaning to surgical care. Call (310) 731-6119 to book.

Request an AppointmentCall (310) 731-6119
Periodontal exam with digital X-rays

Gum Disease Treatment in Los Angeles

Medically reviewed by Dr. Bijan Afar, DDS, MS — Periodontist & Oral Implantologist

Gum disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss in adults, and most people don't know they have it until a dentist tells them. Bleeding when you brush, chronic bad breath, or gums that look like they're pulling away from your teeth — those are the early warnings, and they don't get better on their own.

The good news is that in its earliest stage — gingivitis — gum disease is fully reversible. In the more advanced stage — periodontitis — it can be halted and stabilized, though bone that's already been lost doesn't grow back on its own. What matters is catching it and treating it before the destruction becomes structural.

At Mid-Wilshire we treat every stage, from a first cleaning with a gingivitis warning through full-mouth periodontal reconstruction. The standard path starts with a periodontal exam and X-rays, moves to scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning below the gum line to clear bacterial biofilm off the roots), then to a periodontal maintenance schedule to keep it from coming back. In more advanced cases we add locally-delivered antibiotics, host-modulation therapy, and — where the disease has already destroyed supporting tissue — surgical periodontal therapy.

Dr. Afar is a periodontist and has been doing this work for 30 years. He's not going to refer you out for the treatment; you get the specialist in the chair from the first visit.

What's Included

  • Full periodontal exam with probing depths and digital X-rays
  • Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning below the gum line)
  • Localized antibiotic therapy (Arestin) where indicated
  • Periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months post-treatment
  • Surgical periodontal therapy for advanced cases
  • Screening for the link between gum disease and diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy risk

Bleeding Gums: What They Can Mean

Healthy gums do not normally bleed. Bleeding when you brush or floss is most often a sign of gum inflammation caused by plaque, which is the earliest stage of gum disease (gingivitis). Other possible contributors include brushing too hard, starting a new flossing habit, certain medications such as blood thinners, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, and some medical conditions.

Bleeding gums are a symptom, not a diagnosis. If your gums bleed regularly, a periodontal exam, which measures the pockets around each tooth and checks the bone on X-rays, can tell us whether gum disease is the cause.

Do not stop brushing and flossing because your gums bleed. Gentle, consistent cleaning is part of how inflamed gums heal.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
  • Gums pulling away from the teeth, so the teeth look longer
  • Loose teeth or a change in how your teeth fit together

Related Care You May Be Looking For

This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a dental examination. Recommendations depend on your individual health, and results vary from patient to patient.

Thanks to Dr. Afar, my periodontal health has significantly improved.
Vanessa M.via Yelp★★★★★

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have gum disease?
The clearest signs are bleeding when you brush or floss, chronic bad breath that mouthwash doesn't fix, gum tissue that looks red or swollen at the margin, and teeth that appear longer (gums receding). But the only way to know for sure is a periodontal exam — we measure the depth of the space between your tooth and gum at six points around every tooth. Depths over 3 mm indicate disease.
What is scaling and root planing?
It's a specialized deep cleaning below the gum line. Under local anesthesia we remove the bacterial biofilm (plaque and tartar) that has attached to the tooth root inside the periodontal pocket. Then we smooth the root surface so the gum tissue can heal back tightly against the tooth. It usually takes two 60-minute visits, one for each side of the mouth.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
The procedure itself is done with local anesthetic, so you feel pressure but no pain. Afterwards teeth can be sensitive to cold for a week or two while the gum tissue heals. Most patients take ibuprofen for the first day; it's less recovery than a filling.
How much does gum disease treatment cost?
It depends on how many areas need deep cleaning below the gumline and how often you will need periodontal maintenance afterward. After your periodontal exam we explain the plan and its cost, and help you check your insurance benefits.
How often do I need to come back after treatment?
The rest of your life, every 3–4 months. Gum disease is a chronic condition — like blood pressure, it doesn't get 'cured,' it gets managed. Periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months keeps the pockets clean and lets us catch any active spots early. This schedule is different from the standard six-month cleaning, and insurance recognizes it as medically necessary.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a consultation for gum disease and we will walk you through the options, the timing, and the next step for your case.

Request an AppointmentCall (310) 731-6119

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