Question 1

What's the difference between a periodontist and a general dentist?

Accepted Answer

A periodontist has completed three additional years of post-doctoral residency training beyond dental school, focused entirely on gum tissue, bone, and the structures that support teeth. One domain of deep expertise: periodontal health and its surgical management. That depth is why general dentists refer patients to periodontists for gum disease, implant placement, bone grafting, and complex soft tissue procedures. Outcomes are measurably better in specialist hands for these conditions.

Question 2

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your first appointment is a comprehensive evaluation, not a rushed intake. Dr. Baradaran reviews your dental and medical history, performs a full periodontal examination, and reviews existing X-rays or refers you for 3D imaging if implants are being considered. He explains his findings clearly, describes all treatment options, and answers every question before any decision is made. No pressure. The goal is to give you a complete picture of your periodontal health and what needs to be addressed. Most patients leave considerably less anxious than they arrived.

Question 3

How do I book a consultation with Dr. Baradaran?

Accepted Answer

Three ways. Call the office directly at (310) 903-7674 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) for the fastest response. Use the booking form on the contact page any time. Or submit a question through the Ask Dr. B form if you want a personal answer from Dr. Baradaran before deciding to come in. No referral is required for any of these.

Question 4

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

New patient consultations are typically scheduled within one week, often sooner depending on the time of year. After you submit the form on this site, the office confirms your appointment time within one business day. If you are calling about a current concern or in discomfort, mention that when you reach out and the office will work to find an earlier slot. Urgent post-operative issues for existing patients are accommodated the same day whenever possible.

Question 5

Do you take same-day or emergency appointments?

Accepted Answer

For existing patients with active post-operative concerns, yes — call the office and we will work you in the same day. For new patient consultations, same-day appointments are rare but not impossible if a cancellation opens up. Acute dental emergencies (severe pain, swelling, trauma) are best directed to your general dentist or a hospital emergency room first; we coordinate periodontal follow-up once the immediate issue is stabilized.

Question 6

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice for any rescheduling or cancellation so the time can be offered to another patient. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a fee on subsequent appointments. We understand life happens; the office staff is reasonable about genuine emergencies. The goal is to respect your time and ours.

Question 7

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Baradaran?

Accepted Answer

No referral is required. Patients may schedule a consultation directly by calling (310) 903-7674 or using the booking form on this site. Dr. Baradaran does receive referrals from general dentists and physicians throughout Los Angeles, and those relationships are valued. If your dentist or doctor suggested a periodontist, bring any recent X-rays or imaging to your first appointment.

Question 8

What should I bring to my consultation?

Accepted Answer

Bring your dental insurance card if you have one, a current list of medications and medical conditions, and any recent dental X-rays or imaging from another office (your general dentist can email or send these directly to us if easier). If a specific area of concern is on your mind, jotting down a few notes ahead of time helps make the appointment focused. Allow about an hour for the first visit.

Question 9

Does insurance cover periodontal treatment?

Accepted Answer

Many PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and in some cases dental implants. Coverage varies significantly by plan. Our office verifies insurance benefits before treatment and provides a detailed written estimate before any procedure is scheduled. Flexible payment options are available when coverage is limited.

Question 10

Can I schedule a bone grafting consultation in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills soon?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New patient consultations for bone grafting are typically scheduled within a week. Call (310) 903-7674 directly for the fastest response, or book through the contact page. The West LA office is a short drive from Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, no referral needed. If bone loss was already flagged by another dentist, mention that when you call so the office can prioritize imaging.

Question 11

How soon can I get a gum grafting consultation near West Hollywood or Beverly Hills?

Accepted Answer

Most gum grafting consultations are booked within a week of calling. Dr. Baradaran evaluates the extent of recession and whether grafting is actually needed before recommending anything, some cases respond to less invasive treatment. Call (310) 903-7674 or book through the contact page. See the gum grafting page for what the procedure and recovery involve.

Question 12

Can I book a same-week dental implant consultation in the Los Angeles area?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. New patient implant consultations are typically scheduled within a week, and the office confirms your appointment within one business day of booking. 3D imaging is arranged at the same visit whenever possible, so you leave with an actual treatment plan instead of a second appointment just to get imaging. Call (310) 903-7674 or use the contact page to get on the schedule.

Question 13

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Accepted Answer

Gum disease is often silent early on. Common signs: gums that bleed when you brush or floss (not normal, despite how common it is), red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and temperature sensitivity. Many patients are diagnosed at a routine cleaning, when pocket depth measurements reveal bone loss that caused no noticeable symptoms. If your dentist has mentioned bone loss, deep pockets, or referred you to a periodontist, take that seriously. A periodontal evaluation gives you a definitive picture.

Question 14

Is gum disease treatment painful?

Accepted Answer

Most periodontal treatment is performed under local anesthetic. You will feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing are well-tolerated, with mild soreness in the following days manageable with over-the-counter relief. Surgical procedures involve more tissue work and a longer recovery, but post-operative discomfort is predictable and well-managed. Dr. Baradaran reviews what to expect at every stage before treatment begins. Patients consistently report the anticipation was worse than the experience.

Question 15

How long does dental implant placement take?

Accepted Answer

The surgical procedure itself takes one to two hours per implant, performed as an outpatient under local anesthetic. Most patients return to normal activity the same day or the day after. The full timeline from placement to final crown is longer: osseointegration takes three to six months. A temporary restoration maintains function during that time. If bone grafting or a sinus lift is required first, add several months to the timeline. For a picture specific to your case, a consultation with 3D imaging is the right starting point. More information is on the dental implants page.

Question 16

How long do dental implants last?

Accepted Answer

Dental implants are designed to be permanent. The titanium post that integrates with the jawbone can last decades. The majority of well-placed implants are still in service 20, 30, and 40 years later. The crown above the gumline is subject to normal wear and may need replacement after 15 to 20 years. Longevity depends on bone quality at placement, the implant system used, oral hygiene, and the absence of active gum disease. Dr. Baradaran uses Nobel Biocare, among the most researched platforms in implant dentistry.

Question 17

Can I have dental implants if I have gum disease?

Accepted Answer

Not without treating the gum disease first. Active periodontal disease creates a bacterial environment that significantly increases the risk of implant failure. The same bacteria that caused bone loss around your natural teeth will attack an implant if the infection is not resolved. Dr. Baradaran evaluates every implant patient for periodontal health at the initial consultation. When gum disease is present, it is treated first by the same specialist who will place the implant. Once periodontal health is confirmed, implant placement proceeds with a clean biological environment and a much higher likelihood of long-term success.

Question 18

What areas near Beverly Hills does Dr. Baradaran serve?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Baradaran's West LA office serves patients from Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Westwood, Century City, West Hollywood, Culver City, Mar Vista, Venice, Pacific Palisades, and surrounding neighborhoods. Most patients arrive within 15-20 minutes. No referral required — new patients can call (310) 903-7674 or book online.

Question 19

Is there a periodontist near Brentwood or Santa Monica?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The West LA office is a 10-minute drive from both Brentwood and Santa Monica. Dr. Baradaran is one of the closest experienced periodontists to the west side, with dedicated service area pages for Brentwood and Santa Monica. Same-week appointments are available for new patients.

Question 20

Do you treat patients from Culver City or Mar Vista?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Culver City and Mar Vista patients are a regular part of the practice. The West LA location sits directly between these neighborhoods and Beverly Hills, making it a convenient choice for west-side patients. No referral is required. Visit the Culver City page for more detail.

Question 21

How far is the office from Century City or West Hollywood?

Accepted Answer

The office is in West Los Angeles — roughly 5-10 minutes from Century City and 10-15 minutes from West Hollywood under normal conditions. Street and garage parking are available nearby. Dedicated service area pages: Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Westwood.

Question 22

What should I expect after periodontal surgery?

Accepted Answer

The first 24 to 48 hours involve mild swelling and tenderness at the treatment site, well-managed with ice and the medication Dr. Baradaran prescribes. Most patients return to desk work the next day. You will eat soft foods for several days and rinse with a prescribed antiseptic mouthwash rather than brushing the area directly until cleared at your follow-up. Written post-op instructions go home with you, and the office is reachable for any questions during recovery.

Question 23

How long is recovery from dental implant placement?

Accepted Answer

Initial soft tissue healing takes about two weeks. The deeper process of osseointegration — the implant fusing with the jawbone — takes three to six months. During that time you wear a temporary restoration so function and appearance are maintained. Most patients return to a normal diet within a week and return to work the next day. The final crown is placed once Dr. Baradaran confirms the implant has fully integrated.

Question 24

When can I return to normal eating?

Accepted Answer

Soft foods (smoothies, yogurt, eggs, well-cooked pasta) for the first three to five days after most surgical procedures. Gradually reintroduce normal foods over the following week, avoiding the surgical site directly. Avoid extremely hot, hard, crunchy, or seedy foods for two weeks. Dr. Baradaran provides a specific diet plan based on your procedure and how it is healing at your post-op check.

Question 25

What follow-up appointments will I need?

Accepted Answer

A post-operative check is scheduled one to two weeks after surgery to remove sutures (if used) and confirm healing is on track. For dental implant patients, additional check-ins happen at three months and six months to monitor integration. After active treatment, periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months are the standard recommendation for patients with a history of gum disease, rather than the standard six-month cleaning interval.

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