Our Services
Gum Disease Treatment in North Hollywood
Bleeding, swollen or receding gums are often the first signs of gum disease, and they deserve attention early. At NoHo Dental Group in North Hollywood, gum care is led by Dr. Bijan Afar, a board-certified periodontist, with our hygienists providing periodontal cleanings and ongoing maintenance.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It starts when plaque builds up along and under the gumline.
Gingivitis is the early stage. Gums may be red, swollen and bleed easily, but the bone is not yet affected, and it can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and better home care.
Periodontitis is the advanced stage. Pockets form between the gums and teeth, and the bone that supports the teeth can be lost. Without treatment, teeth can loosen and may eventually be lost.
Why do my gums bleed?
Healthy gums do not usually bleed when you brush or floss. Bleeding is one of the most common early signs of gum inflammation. It can also be linked to brushing too hard, some medications, pregnancy or other health conditions, so it is worth having it checked rather than ignoring it. Read our guide to bleeding gums.
Other signs of gum disease
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away
- Gums pulling away from the teeth, making teeth look longer
- Loose teeth or a change in how your teeth fit together
- Pus between the teeth and gums
Gum disease can progress without pain, so regular exams are the best way to catch it early.
How we treat gum disease
| Treatment | What it involves | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Professional cleaning | Removing plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline | Gingivitis and prevention |
| Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) | Cleaning below the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces so the gums can heal | Periodontitis with deeper pockets |
| Periodontal maintenance | Cleanings at shorter intervals, often every three months | Keeping treated gum disease under control |
| Gum grafting | Covering exposed roots with a soft tissue graft | Gum recession |
Your treatment plan depends on how deep the pockets are, how much bone has been lost and your health history. Learn more about gum recession treatment.
About your dentist
Bijan Afar, DDS, MS
Founder & Periodontist / Implant Specialist
Dr. Bijan Afar is the founder of Noho Dental Group and a board-certified periodontist who has served the North Hollywood community for nearly three decades. He earned his DDS and a Master of Science in Oral Biology from the UCLA School of Dentistry, followed by a postgraduate research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Afar specializes in periodontics and dental implantology, guiding complex restorative and full-mouth reconstruction cases from surgical placement through final restoration. His approach combines evidence-based technique with a patient-first philosophy — every treatment plan starts with listening. Dr. Afar leads a multi-specialty team so that patients can complete their entire treatment plan in a single, familiar practice.
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Gum Disease care in North Hollywood
What to expect at your gum evaluation
- Health history. We ask about symptoms, medications and conditions such as diabetes that can affect your gums.
- Gum measurements. We gently measure the space between each tooth and the gum.
- X-rays. X-rays show the level of the bone around your teeth.
- Your plan. We explain what we found and recommend treatment in plain language.
Gum health and your overall health
Research has linked gum disease with other health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Keeping your gums healthy is part of caring for your whole body. Read more in gum health, diabetes and heart health.
Gum disease and missing teeth
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. If you have already lost teeth, we treat the gums first and then talk about replacement with dental implants or dentures. Healthy gums and bone help those options last.
Questions & topics
Frequently asked questions
Book your visit
Request your Gum Disease appointment
Bleeding or swollen gums? Request a gum evaluation or call (747) 339-7016.
Fill in the form and our team will call to confirm a time that works for you. Most new patients are seen within 1–3 days.
- Insurance friendly, we accept most major plans
- Same-week emergency slots available
- Multi specialty team in one location
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