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Mid-Wilshire Dental Care
Periodontal exam with digital X-rays

Gum Disease Treatment in Los Angeles, CA | Mid-Wilshire

Bleeding or swollen gums? Periodontist-led scaling, root planing, and periodontal maintenance in Mid-Wilshire. Reverse gingivitis, halt periodontitis.

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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 stabilised, 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

What to Expect

  1. 1

    Consultation

    We'll discuss your concerns, review your medical history, take digital images, and explain every option in plain language, no pressure, no surprises.

  2. 2

    Personalized plan

    Dr. Bijan creates a tailored treatment plan with clear pricing and timing. You decide what's right for you.

  3. 3

    Gentle treatment

    Our team delivers your treatment with care, using sedation when helpful and explaining each step along the way.

  4. 4

    Ongoing care

    We follow up to make sure you're healing well and provide guidance to keep your smile healthy for years.

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 specialised deep cleaning below the gum line. Under local anaesthesia 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 anaesthetic, 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?
Scaling and root planing typically runs $200–$400 per quadrant in Los Angeles. Most PPO insurance covers 60–80% when the diagnosis is confirmed by pocket-depth measurements and X-rays. We give a written estimate and verify benefits before treatment.
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 today. We'll answer your questions and help you decide what's right for your smile, no pressure.

Request an AppointmentCall (310) 731-6119

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