WHAT IS A PERIODONTIST?
PERIODONTAL SPECIALISTS
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including three additional years of education beyond dental school. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
Periodontists often treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as those with severe gum disease or a complex medical history. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned) or root surface debridement (in which damaged tissue is removed). They can also treat patients with severe gum problems using a range of surgical procedures. In addition, periodontists are specially trained in the placement, maintenance, and repair of dental implants.
During the first visit, the periodontist usually reviews the patient’s complete medical and dental histories. It is extremely important for the periodontist to know if any medications are being taken or if the patient is being treated for any condition that can affect periodontal care, such as heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy.
The periodontist examines the gums, checks to see if there is any gum line recession, assesses how the teeth fit together when biting, and checks the teeth to see if any are loose. The periodontist will also take a small measuring instrument called a probe and place it between the teeth and gums to determine the depth of those spaces, known as periodontal pockets; this helps the periodontist assess the health of the gums. X-rays may also be taken to observe the health of the bone below the gum line.
WHO SHOULD SEE A PERIODONTIST?
Some patients’ periodontal needs can be managed by the general dentist. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. Patients who present with moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease, or patients with more complex cases, will be best managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist.
Our Approach
Our Story
Our Dental Practice
Welcome to your South Valley Periodontics and Dental Implant Center online! Our dental team are thrilled to provide gentle dental care for the whole family. We are dedicated to providing you and your family with the care you need to reach healthy, brilliant smiles, so we offer comprehensive family dentistry. Our dentists are highly trained and were educated in the best schools. They take continuing education courses regularly. Our dentists and team provide ethical and professional care.
Our dental team members have all been with us for at least 15 years. We are very loyal to the practice. We are friendly and will help you feel relaxed during your visit with our dentists. We invite you to contact your Woodland Hills dental office today to learn more about us and to schedule an appointment.
We treat patients of all ages and do so in a warm and welcoming environment. Our office is conveniently located, and we welcome patients throughout California to schedule an appointment and experience how we can keep everyone in the family in optimal oral health.
You will be greeted with a sincere smile and welcomed by our friendly staff. We understand that visiting a new dentist can make patients unsure about what they will experience; we work diligently so that patients throughout the 91364 area enjoy their visit – every time. To schedule your appointment, call (818) 225 9410. If you reach us after hours or on the weekend, we will do our best to return calls as quickly as possible.
Meet the Team
Sanaz Yousefi, DDS
I grew up in Iran/Tehran. My Dad was an anesthesiologist and my mom, a dentist. From childhood I loved spending time in my parents’ office and slowly found my passion in becoming a dentist. I graduated from one of the most well-known dental schools in Tehran in 2004 and started practicing dentistry right away. A few years after that, my husband and I moved to the United States and started a new chapter of our lives. I added to my experience by receiving my DDS degree from USC, where I was at the top of the dean’s list. I worked with companies like Western Dental Services and Pacific Dental Services for three years and added to my knowledge about advanced technology like the CAD/CAM same-day crown.
About My Practice
As a general dentist, I provide care to all ages. My favorite part about practicing dentistry is having the opportunity to provide a caring and comfortable experience for all of my patients. I value the relationships I build with my patients over time and I consider it a privilege to be their dentist. I try my best to listen to their concerns, be thorough in their exam, and together come up with a plan that best works for them. I treat my patients the way I would want to be treated. “I believe smiling to be contagious. When my patients leave my operatory with a beautiful, healthy smile that reflects their pleasant, painless, and informative visit, I know I’ve contributed to making the world a happier place.”
Razmik Galustian, DDS
Our Periodontist, Dr. Razmik Galustian, has excellent training reputations in Southern California.
Dr. Razmik graduated from the Azad University dental school in Iran in 2003 and came to the U.S. two years later. After going through the U.C.L.A. advanced standing program, he attended Temple University to train in periodontics (the treatment of gum disease) and earn a Master’s in oral biology, before returning to Los Angeles to practice. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists in both surgical and prosthetic modules, and has a certificate in periodontology and oral implantology.
Dr. Razmik also enjoys teaching part-time in the periodontology program at the U.S.C. School of Dentistry.
Dr. Razmik is married and he and his wife enjoy traveling to expand their horizons. They are also avid bikers and hikers. He likes to play tennis and swim, but these days only has a little free time to pursue his hobby of playing flamenco guitar.
Next Steps...
Our Drs at South Valley Periodontics and Dental Implants and Woodland Hills Dentists are happy to answer any oral hygiene questions that you might have. Please feel free to call us at 818-225-9410 for more information or to schedule your periodontal disease screening today.