Do I Really Need a Periodontist, or Can My Dentist Handle This?

Understanding When Specialized Care Matters

It’s a very common and very reasonable question:

“Can my dentist take care of this, or do I need a specialist?”

The truth is, both play essential roles in your care.

At CōR Perio, we work closely with general dentists every day. It’s not about replacing your dentist; it’s about supporting your care when it becomes more complex.

What Your General Dentist Does

Your general dentist focuses on:

  • Preventive care
  • Routine cleanings
  • Fillings and crowns
  • Early detection of issues

They are your first line of care, and a very important one.

What a Periodontist Specializes In

A periodontist receives additional years of training focused specifically on:

  • Gum disease treatment
  • Bone preservation
  • Dental implants
  • Complex cases

At CōR Perio, our focus is on the supporting structures of your teeth, the gums, and bone.

When a Specialist Becomes Important

You may benefit from seeing a periodontist if you have:

  • Gum recession
  • Bone loss
  • Moderate to advanced gum disease
  • Missing teeth requiring implants
  • Complex or recurring issues

These conditions often require a deeper level of evaluation and treatment.

Why Early Referral Matters

From a clinical perspective, earlier evaluation often means:

  • Simpler treatment
  • Better long-term outcomes
  • More options

From a patient perspective, it often means peace of mind.

This Is a Collaborative Approach

Seeing a periodontist doesn’t replace your dentist.

It strengthens your care.

We work together to:

  • Diagnose accurately
  • Treat effectively
  • Maintain long-term stability

A Thought for Patients

If your dentist recommends seeing a periodontist, it’s not a sign that something is “wrong.”

It’s a sign they are prioritizing your long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?

No, many patients schedule directly.

Will I still see my general dentist?

Yes. Your care is collaborative.

Is seeing a specialist more expensive?

It depends, but early care often reduces long-term costs.

Can a periodontist save my teeth?

Yes, especially when conditions are addressed early.

When should I schedule an evaluation?

If you’ve been referred or notice changes in your gums.

Meet Annette Hinds

Your Trusted Guide Through Every Step of Care

With 24 years of combined experience in healthcare—17 years in the medical fi eld and seven dedicated years in dentistry—Annette brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuinely caring approach to every patient interaction at CōR Perio. Originally from Jamaica, she never imagined her medical background would lead her to the dental fi eld, but as she puts it, "I guess it's God's plan."

Multifaceted Expertise

As a key member of our front desk team, Annette wears many hats with grace and precision. Her responsibilities span from patient collections and insurance coordination to treatment plan guidance and phlebotomy services. This unique combination of administrative expertise and hands-on clinical skills allows her to support both our team and patients comprehensively throughout their treatment journey.

A Calming Presence When You Need It Most

What truly sets Annette apart is her remarkable ability to ease patient anxiety, whether someone is nervous about treatment planning, insurance questions, or blood draws. Patients consistently praise her attention to detail, warm personality, and calm presence that helps turn potentially stressful situations into manageable experiences. She takes tremendous pride in being someone patients can rely on for both reassurance and clear, accurate information.

Moments That Define Excellence

One of Annette's most memorable patient experiences perfectly captures her impact: “After a blood draw, a patient teared up—not from fear, but from relief—and said, ‘I didn't think I could do this today, but you helped me through it." These are the moments that fuel Annette's passion for her work and remind her why building meaningful relationships with patients matters so much.

The Heart Behind the Professionalism

Annette describes herself as driven, idealistic, and detail-oriented—qualities that shine through in every aspect of her work. Her idealistic nature drives her commitment to ensuring every patient feels valued and supported. In contrast, her attention to detail ensures nothing falls through the cracks when it comes to insurance, treatment planning, or patient care. What makes Annette's role at CōR Perio particularly fulfilling is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients while guiding them through their treatment journey. The balance between her administrative responsibilities and hands-on clinical work as a phlebotomist brings variety and purpose to each day.

Life Beyond the Office

When she's not at the practice, Annette treasures family time above all else, especially attending football and soccer games with her sons. Patients and teammates might be surprised to learn about her passion for African movies—she's a self-proclaimed "African movie addict" who enjoys exploring different cultures and stories through film.

Seven Years of Dedication

Having been with CōR Perio for seven years, Annette has become an integral part of the practice's foundation. Her extensive healthcare background, combined with her natural warmth and meticulous approach to patient care, makes her an invaluable resource for patients navigating everything from insurance questions to treatment procedures. Whether you're meeting Annette at the front desk for the fi rst time, working with her on insurance and treatment planning, or having blood drawn for your procedure, you'll quickly understand why patients consistently turn to her for guidance and comfort throughout their periodontal care journey. "Being someone patients can rely on for reassurance and clear information is something I take much pride in." Experience the difference that comprehensive care and genuine compassion make. Annette and our entire team are here to support you every step of the way.

Meet Katrina, RDH

Your Gentle, Expert Dental Hygienist

Katrina's journey into dental hygiene began with curiosity and has flourished into a passion for transforming patients' lives through exceptional oral health care. Originally studying Accounting and Finance at the University of Greenwich in London, she discovered her true calling after being inspired by her roommate's dental hygiene studies and witnessing the profound impact this fi eld could have on patients' well-being. After earning her dental hygiene degree from Trinity College Dublin, Katrina had the privilege of working for six years with her professor and mentor, a periodontist and dean of the Royal College of Surgeons. This invaluable experience shaped her into the skilled clinician she is today, providing her with extensive training in complex cases and research projects that enhanced her expertise in periodontal care.

A Patient-Centered Philosophy

Katrina believes that understanding each patient's unique personality is key to providing exceptional care. Whether you're chatty and social or prefer a quieter, more subdued approach, she adapts her communication style to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Her primary goal is to help patients feel empowered about their oral health, knowing that together you can achieve and maintain optimal wellness. What sets Katrina apart is her reputation for "gentle hands" and pain-free treatments. She's committed to using local anesthesia when needed and employing distraction techniques to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. Many patients are surprised to discover they didn't even feel the numbing injection!

Expertise and Continuing Education

Katrina specializes in scaling and root planing (SRP), both as standalone treatments and in conjunction with LANAP procedures. She's particularly passionate about educating patients on how biofilm and calculus contribute to tissue destruction—because understanding the "why" makes the "how" of oral hygiene much more meaningful and effective. Always committed to advancing her skills, Katrina completed phlebotomy certification three years ago and maintains her license to better serve patients interested in plasma therapy for procedures like wisdom tooth extraction, implant placement, and bone grafting. Working alongside two periodontists, she continues to learn and ask questions, regularly attending in-person educational meetings to stay current with the latest techniques and technologies.

Beyond the Office

When she's not caring for patients, Katrina can be found training for her next marathon—she completes one each year as a way to maintain balance in her life. She loves spending time outdoors with family and extended family, and while she enjoys both tea and coffee, beaches and mountains, she admits it's challenging to find mountains in Florida! As a devoted dog lover, she brings the same warmth and care to her personal relationships as she does to patient care.

Why Patients Choose Katrina

Patients consistently praise Katrina's gentle approach and pain-free treatments. One particularly meaningful compliment came from a retired general surgeon who told her she had "magnificent hands." But beyond technical skill, what Katrina treasures most is witnessing the transformation when patients move from unhealthy to healthy—seeing them feel the difference and regain hope in their oral health journey.

Katrina is excited to be part of Dr. Corzo's team, appreciating the practice's commitment to integrity, honesty, and ongoing education. She values being in an environment where her clinical opinions matter and where she can continue to grow while providing the highest standard of care.

"I feel most fulfilled at work when the day is productive, runs smoothly, and staff are happy. To me, excellent care means the patient is happy and feels like they have received a service comparable to none."

Ready to experience gentle, expert dental hygiene care? Schedule your appointment with Katrina today.

Meet Helen Kats, CRDH, BA

Your Smile Specialist with a Heart for Care

"Keep smiling. Life is great." - This isn't just Helen’s motto; it's the philosophy that has guided her entire career in dental hygiene. Growing up, smiles were always the most important thing to her—looking at them, giving them, and seeing them returned. Even coming from a culture where smiling at strangers is considered unusual, Helen never let that stop her from spreading joy through genuine connection. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and her credentials as a Certified Registered Dental Hygienist, Helen brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and deep understanding of patient psychology to every appointment.

A Holistic Approach to Oral Health

Helen’s approach to dental hygiene goes far beyond just cleaning teeth. She views oral health through a whole-body perspective, understanding that the mouth is connected to overall wellness. In her practice, she seamlessly transitions between multiple roles: educator, detective, prevention specialist, clinical therapist, transformation facilitator, and patient advocate. This multifaceted approach allows her to build relationships with patients that span decades.

Cutting-Edge Care with Gentle Precision

Helen is particularly excited about the practice's implementation of Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)—a state-of-the-art, science-backed technology that she's long admired from European colleagues. This gentle yet highly effective approach represents the pinnacle of modern dental hygiene care, allowing her to provide meticulous, thorough cleanings while ensuring maximum patient comfort. Her favorite aspect of patient education focuses on breaking the cycle of acidity by strengthening enamel and designing individualized home care routines. She believes in empowering patients with knowledge and tools that put them in complete control of their oral health, transforming routine visits into high-value experiences that patients actually look forward to.

Building Trust Through Understanding

What sets Helen apart is her exceptional ability to make even the most anxious patients feel at ease. She prioritizes building trust by actively listening and creating a calm, welcoming environment. Every step of treatment is clearly explained so patients know exactly what to expect and feel in control throughout their visit. Her tailored approach to each patient's comfort level has helped countless nervous patients not only relax during treatment but also actually begin to enjoy their dental visits.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Driven by natural curiosity about the "why" and "how" of everything she does, Helen approaches each patient and visit as a unique opportunity to learn and grow. She understands that no two people—and no two visits—are ever the same, and considers it a privilege to be part of each patient's journey to better health.

Beyond the Dental Chair

When she's not perfecting smiles, Helen enjoys exploring her passions for food, travel, and quality time with friends and family. Patients might be surprised to learn that she was once an excellent billiards player! At home, she shares her space with her amazing dog Maxik and fish (having discovered she's allergic to cats despite being a cat person at heart). She's a devoted coffee lover and beach enthusiast who brings the same warmth and energy to her personal life as she does to patient care.

Patient-Centered Excellence

Helen’s patients consistently praise her attention to detail, gentle touch, comprehensive knowledge, and unmatched ability to educate. She feels most fulfilled when patients leave with not just a healthier smile, but also a pleasant experience, a deeper understanding of their oral condition, and enough trust to look forward to their next visit. To Helen, excellent care means providing meticulously thorough yet gentle treatment while creating a calm, luxurious experience. She believes in clear communication and collaboration with the entire dental team to ensure every patient feels valued, informed, and cared for at the highest level.

Why Helen Chose Dr. Corzo's Practice

Helen thrives as part of Dr. Corzo's team because they share the same unwavering commitment to excellence, attention to detail, compassion, and patient-centered care. She's inspired by the practice's dedication to creating positive, comfortable experiences that help patients feel safe, cared for, and empowered in their oral health journey.

"I feel most fulfilled at work when I see my patients leave with a healthier smile, pleasant experience, deeper understanding of their oral condition, and trust in me enough to look forward to our next visit."

Experience the difference that personalized, gentle care makes. Schedule your appointment with Helen today and discover why her patients love coming back.

Meet Catherine Portalatin

The Heart of Our Front Desk for Over a Decade

With an impressive 25 years of experience in dentistry and 13 dedicated years as part of the CōR Perio family, Catherine is the welcoming face and caring voice that patients have come to know and trust. Originally from Atlantic City, New Jersey, Catherine's journey in dental care has been driven by one simple but powerful motivation: the desire to serve patients and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

A Passion for Patient Care

What Catherine loves most about her role at CōR Perio is the opportunity to help patients feel truly at home when they visit the practice. Her approach goes beyond typical front desk duties—she creates an environment where patients feel welcomed, understood, and cared for from the moment they walk through the door or call the office. As the first point of contact for many patients, Catherine handles a wide range of responsibilities with grace and efficiency: greeting patients warmly, managing phone calls, confirming appointments, coordinating schedules, and performing thorough insurance verifications. Her excellent memory ensures that returning patients feel recognized and valued, often remembering personal details that make each interaction feel special and personalized.

Known for Her Caring Nature

Catherine is recognized throughout the practice for her loving and caring personality, exceptional teamwork, and willingness to go above and beyond for both patients and colleagues. Her excellent memory serves as a tremendous asset, allowing her to provide personalized service that makes patients feel like valued members of an extended family rather than just appointment slots.

Building Relationships Beyond the Office

One of Catherine's most cherished professional memories speaks to the genuine relationships she builds through her work. During visits to referral partners, she's experienced the joy of finally meeting colleagues face-to-face after years of phone conversations. "Now, I can finally put a face to the voice," they've said, and for Catherine, the love and recognition she receives in these moments represents the best part of her work—the authentic connections she builds through consistent, caring service.

Bilingual Support

Catherine's ability to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish allows her to serve a diverse patient population, ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving excellent care and feeling comfortable at CōR Perio. This skill has proven invaluable in making patients from various backgrounds feel welcomed and understood.

Dedication to Excellence

Catherine takes pride in accomplishing her daily goals and maintaining the high standards that CōR Perio is known for. Her 13-year tenure with the practice is a testament to her commitment to both the team and the patients she serves. Day after day, she brings consistency, reliability, and genuine care to every interaction.

Life Beyond the Practice

When Catherine isn't at the office making patients feel at home, she treasures time spent with her own family, especially her grandchildren. Family time is where she finds joy and renewal, bringing that same warmth and caring spirit back to her work with patients and colleagues.

A Trusted Voice and Familiar Face

For many patients, Catherine's voice on the phone and smile at the front desk represent the consistent, caring experience they've come to expect from CōR Perio. Her combination of extensive experience, excellent memory, and genuinely caring personality makes her an invaluable member of the team and a trusted advocate for every patient who walks through the doors.

Whether you're calling to schedule your first appointment, need help with insurance questions, or are a long-time patient checking in for your regular visit, Catherine's dedication to making you feel at home ensures that your experience with CōR Perio starts on the right note every single time.

"I love helping the patients and making them feel at home when they visit our practice."

Experience the warmth and professionalism that comes with 25 years of dental experience and 13 years of dedication to CōR Perio. Catherine is here to make your visit as comfortable and welcoming as possible.