Gum health is the foundation on which everything else in your mouth is built, and when it is compromised, the effects ripple outward far beyond your smile. At LALUME Dental Studio in Newport Beach, patients have access to in-house periodontal care through Dr. Bakian, a periodontist who visits the practice monthly to perform specialty procedures, including gum disease treatment, gum lifts, sinus lifts, implant placement, and extractions. Working alongside Dr. Shahira Saad, a UCLA School of Dentistry graduate whose restorative and cosmetic care is designed around each patient’s unique anatomy and goals, LALUME offers a level of coordinated, in-house periodontal and restorative care that is genuinely rare in a single boutique practice.
A periodontist is a dental specialist with advanced training focused on the structures that support your teeth, including the gums, jawbone, and connective tissue around each tooth root. While a general dentist primarily treats the teeth themselves, a periodontist focuses on the foundation that keeps those teeth healthy and stable. Periodontal disease, the most common reason patients seek a periodontist, begins as inflammation of the gum tissue and can progress to affect the underlying bone if left untreated. Research published in the National Institutes of Health’s PMC database confirms that periodontal disease is closely linked to systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, making timely treatment a matter of whole-body health, not just oral health.
Periodontal disease affects many adults and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. In its early stages, it may appear as gingivitis, with red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis, in which the infection extends below the gumline and begins to break down the bone that supports your teeth. Because the early stages are often painless, many people don’t realize anything is wrong until the condition has already advanced. Regular evaluations at LALUME Dental Studio, including digital scanning and detailed gum assessments, help identify these changes early and protect the long-term health of your smile.
Dr. Bakian's scope of care at LALUME goes well beyond treating gum disease. Periodontal procedures also play a critical role in both restorative and cosmetic treatment planning. Gum lifts reshape the gumline to create more balanced, proportionate teeth and are often performed in preparation for porcelain veneers or other cosmetic work. Sinus lifts build up bone volume in the upper jaw to support implants. Extractions are performed when a tooth cannot be saved, and a clear path to replacement is needed. Having Dr. Bakian available in-house means these procedures are seamlessly coordinated with Dr. Saad's restorative and cosmetic work from the very beginning.
One of the most meaningful advantages of treatment at LALUME is having both a periodontist and a cosmetic and restorative dentist under one roof. Many patients who come in seeking veneers, implants, or a smile design consultation first need periodontal work to ensure the gum tissue and bone are healthy enough to support the final result. Rather than being referred elsewhere and managing multiple offices and treatment timelines, LALUME patients receive coordinated care in a single, welcoming space. Dr. Bakian and Dr. Saad communicate directly, plan together, and work with the result already in mind.
Financing options through Cherry Financing and CareCredit are available, and our team is happy to walk you through your PPO insurance coverage at your consultation. Periodontal treatment for disease management may be partially covered under many plans.
We’re here to answer your questions about periodontist.
A general dentist provides comprehensive dental care, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and cosmetic treatments. A periodontist has completed additional years of specialty training focused exclusively on the gums, bone, and supporting structures. For complex gum procedures, implant placement, or advanced bone work, a periodontist brings a depth of focused training that goes beyond general dental care.
Common signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gum tissue that has pulled away from the teeth, persistent bad breath, teeth that feel loose, or sensitivity at the gumline. Many patients are referred by their general dentist after a routine evaluation reveals signs of gum disease or a need for surgical procedures. A consultation at LALUME will give you a clear picture of where things stand.
In its earliest stage, gingivitis, a form of gum disease, can often be fully reversed with professional treatment and improved oral hygiene. More advanced periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be managed effectively to stop progression and protect the remaining bone and tissue. Early intervention always yields the best outcomes.
Treatment for periodontal disease is often partially covered under PPO dental plans, as it is considered a medically necessary procedure rather than a cosmetic one. Coverage varies by plan and severity. Our team will review your benefits with you before any treatment begins.
Dr. Bakian visits LALUME monthly, and appointments are scheduled based on your individual treatment plan. Patients who have been treated for periodontal disease are often placed on a maintenance schedule of more frequent cleanings to monitor gum health and prevent recurrence.
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Saad.
LALUME Dental Studio gives Newport Beach patients access to specialty-level periodontal care without ever leaving the warm, spa-like environment they have come to trust. Dr. Bakian brings advanced periodontal training to every procedure, and Dr. Saad brings the restorative and cosmetic vision to ensure your care is not only thorough but beautifully planned from start to finish. Her UCLA training, AEGD residency, and deeply patient-centered philosophy mean your treatment is always conservative, coordinated, and built around you.
Whether you are coming in with concerns about your gum health, preparing for cosmetic work, or simply ready to understand your options, we are here to help. Contact our office to schedule your consultation and experience the kind of comprehensive, connected care that only LALUME can offer.
Receive high-quality, personalized treatment recommendations from Dr. Saad and get answers to all your smile questions from the comfort of your own home.
Ample secure and safe paid parking located on-site.
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