Frequently Asked Questions

A periodontist is a dental specialist who completes several additional years of training beyond dental school, focused specifically on the gums, supporting bone, and the placement of dental implants. General dentists provide broad preventive and restorative care, but periodontists concentrate on diagnosing and treating gum disease, performing grafting procedures, and managing complex implant cases. Many patients are referred to our office by their general dentist for this reason.

No referral is required. While many of our patients are referred by their general dentist, we also welcome patients who contact us directly. If you do have a referral or recent x-rays from another provider, bringing them to your first visit can help us move forward more efficiently.

Your first appointment includes a thorough review of your dental and medical history, a clinical examination of your gums and supporting bone, and any imaging needed to fully assess your condition. Your doctor will walk you through the findings in plain language and discuss treatment options before anything is scheduled. Most new patient visits take between 45 and 60 minutes.

Yes, we work with most major dental insurance plans. Because coverage for periodontal treatment and implants varies significantly between plans, our team will review your benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before any procedure begins. Call our office at (310) 473-3800 and we can verify your specific coverage in advance.

We understand that periodontal and implant treatment is a meaningful investment, so we offer flexible payment options for patients whose treatment is not fully covered by insurance. Our team can walk you through the choices available and help you find a plan that fits your budget. Existing patients can also manage payments through our online payment portal.

Yes. We offer sedation options for patients who feel anxious about dental treatment or who are undergoing a longer procedure such as implant placement or grafting. Your doctor will discuss whether sedation is appropriate for your specific treatment plan and answer any questions about the process beforehand.

Common signs of gum disease include bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, gums that appear red or swollen, gum recession, and teeth that feel loose or shift position. Early-stage gum disease, or gingivitis, is often reversible, which is why an evaluation as soon as symptoms appear is important. Learn more on our periodontal disease page.

For most patients with one or more missing teeth, dental implants are considered the gold standard replacement option because they replace the tooth root, not just the visible crown, which helps preserve jawbone over time. Candidacy depends on factors like bone density and overall oral health, which is why we begin with a thorough consultation and imaging. Read more on our dental implants page.

If you are an existing patient experiencing significant pain, swelling, or an issue related to a recent procedure, call our office at (310) 473-3800 and describe your symptoms so our team can advise on next steps. If you are experiencing a medical emergency such as difficulty breathing or uncontrolled bleeding, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Our office is located at 11859 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA 90025, on the border of Brentwood and Westwood. We are easily reached from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the greater West LA area. Building parking is available on-site for patients. Visit our Contact page for directions and a map.

Recovery time varies by procedure. Many patients return to normal daily activities within a few days of routine gum treatment, while surgical procedures such as grafting or implant placement may involve a longer healing period. Your doctor will give you a personalized recovery timeline and detailed aftercare instructions specific to your treatment. General guidance is also available on our Surgical Instructions page.

Our team includes three board-certified specialists, Dr. Rana Shahi, Dr. Priscilla Young, and Dr. Ivan Yi. Your treating doctor is typically assigned based on scheduling and the nature of your treatment, and you are welcome to request a specific doctor when booking. You can learn more about each of them on our Our Team page.

Absolutely. We work closely with general dentists throughout Los Angeles and keep referring doctors informed of their patients' treatment and progress. Visit our Referring Doctors page for details on the referral process.