Bleeding when you brush or floss
Healthy gums generally shouldn't bleed every time you clean. Repeated bleeding is often the first sign of gingivitis.
Periodontal care · Burbank
Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, recession and tenderness can be signs that the tissue supporting your teeth needs attention. A gum evaluation separates mild inflammation from periodontal disease that needs focused care.

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You don't need to know the diagnosis before you call. These are common reasons to have your gums checked.
Healthy gums generally shouldn't bleed every time you clean. Repeated bleeding is often the first sign of gingivitis.
Puffy, darker or sore gum tissue along the gumline usually means inflammation.
Persistent odor that doesn't improve with brushing can come from bacteria below the gumline.
Teeth that look longer, or new sensitivity at the gumline, can mean the gums are pulling back.
Advanced gum disease can damage the bone that holds teeth in place and change your bite.
If you've been treated before, regular periodontal maintenance keeps the condition under control.
Real patient results



Photos of Magnolia Dentistry patients, shared with permission. Individual results vary.
A closer look
Gum disease can begin quietly. Gingivitis shows up as bleeding or puffy gums and affects only the gum tissue. Periodontitis creates deeper pockets around the teeth and can affect the bone that supports them. Because pain is rarely an early symptom, gum measurements and a clinical exam matter more than waiting for discomfort.
The first step at Magnolia Dentistry is understanding the stage of the problem. Early inflammation often improves with a professional cleaning and better home care. Periodontal disease may need scaling and root planing, closer maintenance visits and — for more complex cases — additional periodontal care or a specialist referral.
Gum health also matters beyond your mouth. Periodontal disease has been associated with conditions such as diabetes, and treating it is an important part of protecting your overall health.

Know the difference
| Gingivitis | Periodontitis | |
|---|---|---|
| Tissues affected | Gum tissue only | Gums, ligament and supporting bone |
| Common signs | Bleeding, redness, swelling | Deeper pockets, recession, bad breath, loose teeth |
| Reversible? | Usually, with cleaning and good home care | Can be controlled, but bone loss doesn't grow back on its own |
| Typical treatment | Professional cleaning, home-care coaching | Scaling & root planing, periodontal maintenance |
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What to expect
We review bleeding, recession, pocket depths, tooth mobility and any X-rays needed to understand the support around your teeth.
Routine cleaning, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance or additional care — explained before we begin.
Deposits are removed below the gumline and root surfaces smoothed, usually with local anesthetic so you stay comfortable.
We check healing, coach your home care and set a maintenance interval based on how your gums respond.
In-depth guide
Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile. When gums become infected or inflamed, your teeth and overall health can be at serious risk. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common oral health problems affecting adults in the U.S.—and it often develops silently.
At Magnolia Dentistry, we focus on early detection and advanced gum disease treatment in Burbank, CA, to help patients restore their oral health, prevent tooth loss, and enjoy a confident smile again.
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that damages the tissues surrounding your teeth. It typically begins with mild inflammation called gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated.
Plaque buildup is the main cause. When plaque hardens into tartar, bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Without treatment, these pockets deepen, leading to bone loss and loose teeth.
Recognising early warning signs is key to successful gum disease treatment. Look out for:
If you experience any of these symptoms, scheduling an appointment with a Burbank dentist right away can help prevent further damage.
Gum disease develops due to a combination of poor oral hygiene and other health or lifestyle factors.
Understanding these risk factors allows your dentist to customise your periodontal treatment plan effectively.
Early diagnosis makes a huge difference in outcome. Gingivitis—the first stage of gum disease—can be reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. Once it progresses to periodontitis, treatment becomes more intensive and focuses on controlling infection and preserving remaining bone.
Regular dental visits are essential for catching gum issues early before they cause irreversible damage.
There are two primary stages of gum disease:
This is the earliest stage, marked by redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is completely reversible with proper dental cleaning, regular brushing, and flossing.
When gingivitis isn’t treated, bacteria spread below the gum line. The infection destroys gum tissue and bone, forming deep pockets around teeth. At this stage, professional periodontal therapy, such as scaling and root planing, is required to stop progression.
At Magnolia Dentistry, we provide tailored treatment options for every stage of gum disease, from mild inflammation to advanced periodontal infection. Our focus is on preserving your natural teeth, improving oral health, and preventing further damage.
Routine professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar from above the gum line. This helps control bacteria and reduce inflammation in early-stage gingivitis. Regular checkups every six months are your first line of defence.
Scaling and root planing is the most common non-surgical treatment for periodontitis. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, while root planing smooths the root surfaces to allow the gums to reattach.
This deep cleaning reduces bacterial buildup, tightens gum pockets, and helps restore gum health.
In some cases, your dentist may apply antibacterial medications or use laser gum therapy to disinfect infected areas and promote faster healing.
Laser treatment is gentle, minimally invasive, and can reduce swelling and discomfort compared to traditional procedures.
When deep pockets persist after non-surgical treatment, flap surgery may be recommended. During this procedure, the gums are lifted to access and clean the tooth roots. The gums are then repositioned to reduce pocket depth, making it easier to keep them clean.
In severe cases of bone loss due to gum disease, bone grafts or regenerative procedures help rebuild lost bone and restore support to affected teeth.
Using biocompatible materials, your dentist can encourage new tissue growth and strengthen your smile’s foundation.
Gum grafting replaces lost gum tissue caused by recession. Tissue is taken from another area or a donor source and attached to the affected site to protect roots and improve appearance.
This not only enhances your smile but also protects against sensitivity and further gum loss.
Gum disease can be managed successfully with regular care and follow-ups. After your periodontal therapy, your dentist will recommend a maintenance plan to prevent recurrence.
Patients treated for gum disease typically need maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months instead of every six. These visits keep bacteria under control and monitor healing progress.
Consistent oral hygiene is the key to preventing gum problems from returning.
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as they delay healing and worsen gum conditions.
Research shows that periodontal disease is linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory infections. Inflammation in the mouth can affect the rest of your body.
By maintaining healthy gums, you reduce your risk of systemic health issues and improve your overall quality of life.
At Magnolia Dentistry, our team provides personalised gum disease treatment in Burbank, CA, using advanced technology, gentle techniques, and a compassionate approach. Whether you need preventive care, deep cleaning, or surgical treatment, we design your care plan to restore and protect your smile.
We focus not just on treating infection but on helping patients maintain lifelong gum health through education, ongoing care, and professional monitoring.
Gum disease is a serious but preventable condition. Early diagnosis and professional periodontal care can save your teeth, protect your gums, and improve your health. Don’t wait for discomfort or bleeding to get worse—schedule a visit today to restore your gum health and confidence.
Visit Magnolia Dentistry, Dentist in Burbank, CA, for expert gum disease evaluation and personalised treatment that keeps your smile strong and healthy.
Patient reviews
Hands down the best dentist and dental office I have ever been to. I got my teeth worked on by Dr. Massaband — she is an absolute delight. Her work is top of the line. I have always been afraid of the dentist, but the way she worked on me I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort, which is so rare to find. She really makes sure you are 100% satisfied before you walk out of her office. Staff is super friendly and the office is in a great location.
Dr. Massaband was wonderful! I brought my mom to her in an emergency state. The doctor came in early on a Sunday, was very professional and detail oriented, took great care of my mom’s complicated procedure and even followed up multiple times a day during her recovery. Very grateful to have found her!
Dr. Massaband is the best dentist I have ever been to. She and her staff make you feel comfortable and cared for. So proficient, so professional — it’s the best work I have ever had done. I am no longer afraid to go to the dentist. Thank you, Doctor Massaband.
Flexible payment plans
We accept most traditional dental insurance plans and are happy to file claims for you. For treatment insurance does not cover, flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry can spread the cost into manageable monthly payments.


Financing is subject to credit approval by the lender. Ask our team which options apply to your treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
Repeated gum bleeding should be evaluated. It's often an early sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease, although other causes are possible — including brushing too hard or certain medications.
A deep cleaning usually refers to scaling and root planing. It removes plaque and tartar below the gumline and from root surfaces where deeper pockets have formed, helping the gums reattach and heal.
The area is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Gums may be a little tender for a day or two afterward.
Yes. Advanced periodontal disease can damage the bone and tissues that support teeth. Loose or shifting teeth should be assessed promptly — and if a tooth can't be saved, we'll discuss replacement options.
Commonly every three to four months, depending on the severity of disease, your response to treatment and how quickly inflammation returns.

Meet your dentist
Dental implant & cosmetic dentist · 1,000+ successful implant cases
Dr. Liyan Massaband, DMD, MPH, is a California-licensed dentist who provides general, cosmetic, restorative, implant and emergency dental care at Magnolia Dentistry in Burbank. Patients from across Southern California see her for her attention to detail, gentle approach and experience with complex cases — including missing teeth, bone loss and failed dental work.
Her training spans Physiological Sciences at the University of Arizona, a Master of Public Health from the University of Southern California and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University — a foundation that treats your oral health as part of your overall well-being.
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