Periodontist in Burlington, MA
Dr. Gary Li is a board-certified periodontist in Burlington, MA who specializes in treating gum disease and saving natural teeth. He is certified in LANAP® laser therapy, which treats advanced gum disease without cutting or sutures, and performs bone regeneration, soft tissue grafting and implant placement at our Winn Street office.
Do You Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it is often painless until it is advanced. See a periodontist if you notice any of the following:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums pulling away, making teeth look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted
- A change in how your teeth fit together
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Sensitivity from exposed tooth roots
Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible. Once it progresses to periodontitis, the bone supporting your teeth begins to break down — and bone does not grow back on its own. That is why early evaluation matters.
LANAP® Laser Gum Treatment — No Cutting, No Stitches
Traditional gum surgery involves cutting the gums with a scalpel, folding them back to clean the roots, and closing with sutures. LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) does the same job with targeted laser energy instead.
Dr. Li is certified in the LANAP® protocol. The laser removes infected tissue and bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact, then stimulates the body’s own ability to regenerate bone and connective tissue around compromised teeth. Because it promotes true regeneration rather than simply halting the disease, LANAP gives many patients a chance to keep teeth that would otherwise be lost.
What Patients Notice Most
- No scalpel and no sutures
- Less bleeding, swelling and discomfort
- Most people resume normal activity the next day
- Gum tissue is preserved, so there is less recession
Periodontal Treatments We Provide
Scaling & Root Planing
A deep cleaning below the gumline that removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. Usually the first step for mild to moderate gum disease.
Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafting
When gums recede, roots become exposed, causing sensitivity and root decay. Grafting rebuilds lost tissue and restores a natural gumline.
Bone Regeneration & Grafting
Rebuilds bone lost to periodontal disease or missing teeth, often to make implant placement possible.
Sinus Lift
Adds bone height in the upper jaw when the sinus sits too low for an implant to be placed safely.
Dental Implant Placement
Dr. Li places implants and performs the grafting that often precedes them, so the whole process stays in one office with one team.
Extractions & Site Preservation
When a tooth truly cannot be saved, preserving the socket at removal protects your options for replacing it later.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Li
Dr. Li graduated with honors from Boston University School of Dental Medicine and completed his specialty training in Periodontology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident. During residency he received the Predoctoral American Academy of Periodontology Award and the American Dental Partners Foundation Scholarship.
His philosophy is straightforward: save teeth whenever possible. He combines advanced technology with minimally invasive technique, because preserving your own natural teeth is almost always better than replacing them.
Working alongside Kois Center-trained Dr. Lili Tayari means your periodontal care and your general and restorative dentistry are coordinated under one roof — no referrals across town, no repeating your history to a new office.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Step 01
Examination
We measure the pocket depth around each tooth and take X-rays to assess bone levels, so we know exactly how far the disease has progressed.
Step 02
Clear Explanation
Dr. Li walks you through what he found, what it means and what your options are — including doing nothing, so you understand the trade-offs.
Step 03
A Written Plan
You leave knowing the recommended treatment, the sequence, the timeline and the cost before anything begins.
Cost & Insurance
[REPLACE THIS PARAGRAPH WITH YOUR OWN FIGURES.] Patients search for cost more than any other periodontal term, and a page that answers it plainly earns the click. Add a real range for scaling and root planing, LANAP and gum grafting. If you would rather not publish exact numbers, publish the range and say what it depends on.
Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment at least in part, and we file on your behalf. CareCredit financing is available, and our membership plan covers preventive care for patients without insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in the gums and bone that support your teeth. Dr. Gary Li completed his specialty training in Periodontology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident, and is board-certified.
Is LANAP better than traditional gum surgery?
LANAP treats the same disease without a scalpel or sutures, so most patients experience less bleeding, swelling and downtime, and retain more gum tissue. It is not appropriate for every case; an examination is the only way to know whether it is right for you.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
Treatment is performed under local anesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Most LANAP patients describe the following days as mild soreness rather than pain, and return to normal activity the next day.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is reversible. Periodontitis can be controlled, and with regenerative treatment such as LANAP, bone and attachment can sometimes be regained. Ongoing periodontal maintenance cleanings are required to keep it stable.
How long does recovery from a gum graft take?
Most patients return to work the next day. The graft site is typically tender for about a week, and full tissue maturation takes several weeks. Specific eating and brushing instructions are provided for the healing period.
Will I lose my teeth if I have gum disease?
Not necessarily. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, but teeth considered hopeless can often be saved with regenerative treatment. Dr. Li’s approach is to save natural teeth whenever possible.
Do I need a referral to see a periodontist?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with our Burlington, MA office at (781) 273-1152.
Serving Burlington and the Surrounding Towns
Our office is at 265 Winn St, Suite 204, Burlington, MA 01803 — convenient to Woburn, Lexington, Bedford, Billerica, Wilmington and Winchester.