Periodontist Philadelphia — Dr. Pouya Hatam at Razavi Dental
Board-certified periodontist and UPenn faculty. Serving patients at Razavi Dental in Philadelphia.
Experience
Dr. Pouya Hatam is a periodontist in Philadelphia and one of the most credentialed periodontal specialists in the region, serving patients at Razavi Dental in Center City. She has spent her career working across a wide range of clinical settings including general dental practices, multi-specialty offices, and the faculty practices of the University of Pennsylvania, giving her a breadth of surgical experience that most periodontists do not accumulate. Her ongoing role as surgical faculty at UPenn means she remains directly engaged with the clinical training of the next generation of periodontists, which keeps her own practice at the leading edge of the field. Patients at Razavi Dental who are referred to Dr. Hatam for periodontal care and implant surgery are in exceptionally accomplished hands. As a periodontist Philadelphia patients have trusted for decades, Dr. Hatam brings surgical expertise and academic credentials that are rare in private practice.
Education and Training
Dr. Hatam earned her dental degree from Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany, where she began her career as a teaching instructor in the Department of Periodontology. To train with leading clinicians and researchers in the field of periodontics, she joined the University of Pennsylvania in 1993. She received her DMD in 1995 after completing the Program for Advanced Standing Students at UPenn’s School of Dental Medicine, followed by her Certificate in Periodontics in May 1998.
Dr. Hatam served as a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2007 in the undergraduate Periodontics Department and has been part of the graduate program since July 2014. She served as Clinical Director of Undergraduate Periodontics from 1999 to 2002. In a field where credentials matter, hers are among the strongest in Philadelphia.
Awards and Recognition
Joseph Appleton Teaching Award
Awarded by the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine for excellence in teaching.
Outstanding Teacher Award
Top Periodontist — Philadelphia Magazine
Named one of Philadelphia’s top periodontists by Philadelphia Magazine in 2020 and 2021.
These recognitions reflect a practice built on clinical excellence and on the trust of both patients and colleagues over a long career in Philadelphia periodontics.
Periodontal Services from a Periodontist in Philadelphia
Periodontal disease is more common than most people realize, and more treatable than most people fear. Dr. Hatam provides a full range of periodontal services to Razavi Dental patients in Philadelphia, from early intervention through complex surgical care. Her approach is thorough and unhurried. Patients who have put off treatment for years because they were nervous about what it involved consistently say the experience was far easier than they expected. For patients who have completed active treatment, structured periodontal maintenance in Philadelphia is what keeps the disease from returning and protects the investment of the work already done. Between periodontal maintenance visits, regular professional teeth cleaning in Philadelphia helps maintain overall gum health.
For patients with gum disease, treatment begins with a detailed clinical evaluation to assess pocket depths, bone levels, and the extent of infection. Mild to moderate cases are treated with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes hardened bacterial deposits from below the gumline and allows the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth surface.
More advanced cases of periodontal disease treatment in Philadelphia may require surgical intervention. Gum surgery in Philadelphia performed by Dr. Hatam addresses bone loss, deep pockets that cannot be cleaned by other means, and tissue that has been too severely damaged to respond to conservative treatment. The goal in every case is to halt the disease, preserve as much natural tissue and bone as possible, and restore the patient to a stable, maintainable baseline.
Periodontal disease is also increasingly understood as a whole-body health issue, not just a dental one. The bacteria responsible for gum disease, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, have been identified in arterial plaque, brain tissue, and colorectal tumors in clinical research. Chronic periodontal infection drives systemic inflammation, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and cognitive decline. Treating gum disease is not only about saving teeth. For many patients it is a meaningful step toward reducing a chronic inflammatory burden that affects the rest of their health.
Gum Grafting and Gum Recession Treatment in Philadelphia
Gum recession exposes the root surface of the tooth, which creates sensitivity, increases the risk of decay at the root, and affects the appearance of the smile. Dr. Hatam performs gum grafting in Philadelphia to restore tissue coverage and protect the underlying root. Gum recession treatment through grafting takes donor tissue, typically from the palate, and uses it to rebuild the gumline over the exposed area. Results are lasting when proper home care is maintained afterward. Gum recession treatment in Philadelphia with Dr. Hatam addresses both the functional and cosmetic consequences of tissue loss, and the approach is always matched to the severity of the individual case.
For patients who are candidates, Dr. Hatam also offers the pinhole technique as an alternative to traditional gum grafting. Rather than harvesting tissue from a second site, the pinhole technique uses a small entry point to loosen and reposition existing gum tissue over the area of recession. There are no incisions, no sutures, and recovery is significantly faster than with conventional grafting. Patients seeking a periodontist Philadelphia recommends for gum recession consistently find that Dr. Hatam’s approach produces lasting results with minimal discomfort.
Crown Lengthening in Philadelphia
Crown lengthening is a procedure that removes excess gum tissue and, when necessary, reshapes the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth surface. It is performed for two distinct reasons. The first is restorative: when a tooth is too short or too damaged below the gumline to hold a crown properly, crown lengthening in Philadelphia creates the structure a restorative dentist needs to do the work correctly. The second is cosmetic: patients with a gummy smile can have their proportions corrected with crown lengthening to reveal more of the natural tooth.
Additional periodontal procedures Dr. Hatam performs include gingivectomy for the removal of excess or diseased gum tissue, and osseous surgery for cases involving significant bone loss around the teeth.
LANAP Laser Gum Treatment in Philadelphia
For patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease who want an alternative to traditional gum surgery, Dr. Hatam performs LANAP in Philadelphia. LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-cleared protocol that uses a specific wavelength of laser energy to target and eliminate the bacteria and diseased tissue lining periodontal pockets, without cutting the gum tissue and without sutures.
The laser used in LANAP is calibrated to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue. It removes what needs to go and leaves healthy tissue untouched. What follows is a healing process that, in many patients, results in actual regeneration of the bone and connective tissue that was lost to the disease. For patients who have delayed periodontal care, seeing a periodontist Philadelphia trusts for LANAP treatment often changes the experience entirely.
The PerioLase MVP-7 — the only laser FDA-cleared specifically for the LANAP protocol.
For patients who have been told they need gum surgery and want to understand all their options, laser gum surgery in Philadelphia with Dr. Hatam is worth a conversation. As one of the few periodontists in Philadelphia performing LANAP, Dr. Hatam evaluates each case individually. Not every patient is a candidate for LANAP, and she will tell you directly whether it is the right approach for your specific situation.
Recovery from LANAP is substantially easier than from traditional gum surgery. Most patients return to normal activity within a day. There is minimal postoperative discomfort and no stitches to have removed. LANAP is also an option for patients who take blood thinners or other medications that complicate traditional surgical procedures. There is no need to stop any medications before treatment. For patients who have put off periodontal care because of anxiety about what treatment involves, LANAP often changes the equation entirely.
LANAP vs. Traditional Gum Surgery
How LANAP Works
The LANAP protocol is completed in two visits, treating one side of the mouth per visit. Here is what happens at each stage.
1
Assessment
Pocket depths are measured to map the full extent of the periodontal disease before treatment begins.
2
Laser Pass One
The LANAP laser is guided into each pocket to eliminate bacteria and remove diseased tissue selectively.
3
Root Cleaning
Ultrasonic scalers remove hardened tartar deposits from the root surface exposed within the pocket.
4
Bone Modification
Bone is lightly modified at the surgical site to stimulate the body's natural healing and regeneration response.
5
Clot and Seal
The laser is used a second time to form a stable blood clot that seals the pocket and protects the site during healing. No sutures are placed.
Dental Implant Surgery by a Philadelphia Periodontist
In addition to periodontal care, Dr. Hatam is an experienced dental implant surgeon. Periodontists are uniquely trained for implant placement because the specialty focuses on the bone and soft tissue structures that determine whether an implant will succeed long term. She performs single tooth implants, multiple implant cases, and full arch reconstructions, and coordinates closely with Dr. Razavi on cases where implant surgery is followed by restorative crown work at Razavi Dental. For patients who need upper jaw implants, Dr. Hatam also performs sinus lift in Philadelphia when bone height below the sinus cavity is insufficient.
For qualifying patients, she can extract a damaged or failing tooth and place the implant with a temporary crown the same day. Same-day placement eliminates the waiting period between extraction and implant surgery, reduces the total number of procedures, and gets patients functional faster.
Implant success depends heavily on the quality of the surgical placement and the condition of the surrounding bone and tissue. When bone volume is insufficient, Dr. Hatam performs bone grafting in Philadelphia before implant placement begins. Having a periodontist with Dr. Hatam’s training and faculty-level experience perform the surgery is a meaningful advantage. To learn more about what the implant process involves, visit our dental implants in Philadelphia page. When you need a periodontist Philadelphia trusts for implant surgery, Dr. Hatam’s UPenn faculty credentials and decades of surgical experience set her apart.
What Patients Say
"I have been treated by Dr. Hatam and her staff for over 20 years and I am a very satisfied patient with MANY successful procedures. Dr. Hatam's credentials are incredible and she is at the leading edge of periodontal dentistry. Dr. Hatam is also an innovator and a professor at the U of Penn Dental school."
"Dr. Hatam is simply the BEST. She is not only professional, completely approachable, warm and extremely knowledgeable, but highly skilled and creative. From her inviting and friendly staff, bright office and comfortable surroundings, start to finish the experience is outstanding. I highly recommend Dr. Hatam and always refer her when I have the opportunity."
"I can't even begin to explain how difficult my situation was and has been, yet Dr. Hatam took care of me and continues to no matter what happens. When I first walked into the office I couldn't even talk. I had so much anxiety and fear from past dental experiences. I no longer have that fear and anxiety. I could not recommend her more."
"This is a great office. They are all so professional, gracious and kind. Everyone in this practice genuinely cares about their patients. It is so hard these days to find such a fine practice. Run don't walk if you need a periodontist."
"I was in near death pain when Dr. Hatam extracted and put in an implant on the same day. I was able to get an appointment the same day. She saved my life and I'm perfect now."
Do You Need a Periodontist Philadelphia Patients Trust?
You may benefit from seeing a periodontist if any of the following apply:
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
- Your gums have pulled away from your teeth or your teeth look longer than they used to
- You have been told you have deep pockets during a dental cleaning
- A tooth feels loose or has shifted position
- You have persistent bad breath that does not resolve with normal hygiene
- You have a previous diagnosis of gum disease that was never fully treated
- You have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or elevated inflammatory markers and want to address the oral bacteria connection
- Your general dentist has referred you to a periodontist
If more than one of these applies to you, a consultation with Dr. Hatam is the right next step. Patients combining periodontal treatment with cosmetic work can learn more about a smile makeover in Philadelphia at Razavi Dental.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a periodontist and how is one different from a general dentist?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who completes three additional years of residency training beyond dental school, focused entirely on the gum tissue, bone, and structures that support the teeth. General dentists treat the teeth themselves. Periodontists treat everything that holds the teeth in place. Dr. Hatam also holds a faculty appointment at UPenn’s School of Dental Medicine, which means she trains the next generation of periodontists in addition to treating patients.
What is periodontal maintenance in Philadelphia and how often is it needed?
Periodontal maintenance in Philadelphia is a specialized cleaning protocol for patients who have been treated for gum disease. It is not the same as a regular prophylaxis. The appointments typically occur every three to four months and include measuring pocket depths, cleaning below the gumline, and monitoring for any signs that disease activity is returning. Skipping periodontal maintenance after completing active treatment is one of the most common reasons gum disease returns. The interval may be adjusted over time depending on how the patient’s condition responds, but it is rarely appropriate to return to once-a-year cleanings once a diagnosis of periodontal disease has been made.
How do I know if I need to see a periodontist in Philadelphia?
Common signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, teeth that feel loose or have shifted, persistent bad breath, or a previous diagnosis of gum disease that has not been fully treated. If your general dentist has referred you to a periodontist, that referral exists for a reason. Earlier treatment almost always means a more conservative and successful outcome.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and periodontal maintenance?
A regular cleaning, called a prophylaxis, is for patients with healthy gums. It cleans the surfaces of the teeth above and at the gumline. Periodontal maintenance is a different procedure performed at more frequent intervals for patients who have been treated for gum disease. It includes cleaning below the gumline, monitoring pocket depths, and checking for any signs that disease is returning. The two are not interchangeable.
Is LANAP covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance plans cover LANAP as a periodontal surgical procedure, others do not. The office can review your specific coverage before treatment begins so there are no surprises. Many patients who are not fully covered find that the reduced recovery time and fewer follow-up appointments make LANAP the more practical choice overall.
How long does gum grafting recovery take?
Most patients are back to a soft food diet within a week and fully recovered within two to three weeks. The pinhole technique, when appropriate, involves significantly less recovery time, often just a day or two of mild soreness. Dr. Hatam reviews recovery expectations in detail during the consultation so patients know exactly what to plan for.
Can I be referred to Dr. Hatam from another dental practice?
Yes. Dr. Hatam sees patients referred by Dr. Razavi and also accepts referrals from other dentists throughout Philadelphia. If your current dentist has recommended you see a periodontist and you would like to see someone with Dr. Hatam’s credentials and experience, contact Razavi Dental to arrange a consultation.
Ready to See Dr. Hatam?
Dr. Hatam is on staff at Razavi Dental in Philadelphia, where she works alongside Dr. Razavi to provide periodontal care and dental implant surgery. She sees patients for consultations, gum disease treatment, LANAP laser therapy, gum grafting, crown lengthening, and dental implant surgery. Referrals from your dentist are welcome, and new patients may contact Razavi Dental directly to arrange an appointment. Dr. Hatam is also the founder of Blue Bell Periodontics in Blue Bell, PA.
To schedule with a periodontist Philadelphia patients have relied on for decades, contact Razavi Dental at (215) 996-7030.