Periodontist in Valencia and Santa Clarita, CA

The AAP says a periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants, with three additional years of education beyond dental school. The AAP also lists the other services periodontists provide: scaling and root planing, in which the infected surface of a tooth's root is cleaned; root surface debridement, in which damaged root tissue is removed; oral inflammation treatment; and cosmetic periodontal procedures.

Dr. Raffie Garabedian is the periodontist on our team, working alongside Dr. Robert P. Hedvat, our general dentist, and Dolores, our registered dental hygienist. At Smile Care Valencia, Dr. Hedvat places dental implants and does bone grafting. The CDC says more severe forms of gum disease can be managed by a dental health care provider and may include referral to a periodontist.

The AAP says some general dentists treat less serious periodontal cases and many refer the more challenging ones. Its list of reasons for a referral: a moderate or severe level of periodontal disease, with symptoms such as bleeding, swollen or receding gums, loose teeth, a change in your bite, or pain or discomfort within, around or underneath the gums; a personal or family history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis or cancer; and smoking, which the AAP says increases the risk of acquiring advanced disease.

The AAP adds that gum disease is often silent, with symptoms that may not appear until the advanced stages. Its warning signs are red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard food, gums receding so teeth look longer, loose or separating teeth, pus between the gums and teeth, sores in the mouth, persistent bad breath, a change in the way the teeth fit together, and a change in the fit of partial dentures. Receding gums have their own page.

The AAP describes the first visit. The periodontist usually reviews your complete medical and dental histories, and the AAP says it is extremely important for the periodontist to know if you are taking any medications or being treated for a condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes or pregnancy. The periodontist then examines the gums for recession, assesses how the teeth come into contact when biting, and checks whether any teeth are loose. A small measuring instrument called a probe is placed in the spaces between the teeth and gums, the periodontal pockets, to measure their depth, and X-rays may be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.

Our office uses digital X-rays, which give clear images within seconds, let Dr. Robert show patients what he sees and explain recommendations, and typically use less radiation than traditional film. Our in-office 3D cone-beam CT scanner gives a detailed view of teeth, jawbone, sinuses and nearby nerves and is used to evaluate complex concerns and plan implant treatment with greater precision.

The CDC describes gingivitis as inflammation of the gums that is largely preventable and treatable with routine oral hygiene and professional cleanings. Periodontitis also involves bone loss around the teeth; the CDC calls it an irreversible condition that can be slowed down and managed with professional treatment, and says periodontitis and cavities are the two leading causes of tooth loss. Untreated periodontitis can also make other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, worse.

The CDC reports that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults 30 years or older had a mild, moderate or severe level of periodontitis in 2009 to 2014, rising to about 60% of adults 65 or older. The AAP puts the figure higher, at more than half of American adults 30 and older with some form of periodontal disease. The CDC's risk factors include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, medications with oral side effects, stress, genetics, clenching or grinding, hormonal changes, and poor nutrition or obesity.

The CDC lists what treatment for periodontitis might include: a non-surgical procedure commonly known as scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, of the affected tooth and root surfaces; prescribed medication, such as an oral rinse or medicine placed directly under the affected gums; and surgical procedures. For gingivitis, the CDC says a combination of self-care and professional cleanings largely prevents and treats it. Plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing, but once it hardens into tartar, professional treatment is needed to remove it.

Scaling and root planing is the deep cleaning itself, and gum disease treatment covers the stages and options in more depth. For selected gum and soft-tissue procedures we also offer laser dentistry, which in appropriate cases may reduce bleeding, minimize discomfort and make recovery easier. For anxious patients, our sedation options are nitrous oxide, twilight sedation where appropriate after reviewing your health and the planned procedure, and IV sedation under the care of a Dental Anesthesiologist.

We do not list a price on this page. Our team helps patients understand their benefits and financial options clearly before proceeding. We accept most PPO dental plans and CareCredit and offer financial arrangements, and our team will gladly verify your coverage before treatment. Patients from Valencia, Santa Clarita, Saugus, Newhall and Stevenson Ranch can call (661) 255-1211 or request an appointment online.