Gum Treatment
Gum treatment, often referred to as periodontal treatment, involves various procedures aimed at managing gum disease and promoting oral health.
Gum disease (periodontitis) is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. At MMDC, treatment ranges from professional deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to surgical procedures performed by our periodontist, depending on severity.
Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, swollen or red gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and loose teeth. Early treatment prevents progression and tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth. It is the primary non-surgical treatment for gum disease at MMDC.
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be fully reversed with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Advanced periodontitis cannot be fully reversed but can be controlled and stabilised with treatment at MMDC to prevent further bone and tissue loss.
Patients with a history of gum disease are typically recommended to attend periodontal maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months at MMDC. Regular monitoring prevents recurrence and maintains gum health long-term.
Dr. Seema Shah
Language Spoken: EN
Occupation: Specialist Orthodontist
Professional Membership Subscriptions:
UK Board Certified
Book an appointment with Dr. Seema Shah
Dr. Seema Shah qualified as a Dentist from Kings College London and completed her CCST training and Doctorate in Orthodontics at Queen Mary's University, London (Royal London Hospital). Dr. Shah holds an MOrth from the Royal College of Surgeons, England.
She has treated a broad spectrum of malocclusions using an array of appliances.
Dr. Shah has a very strong work ethic and is blessed to be working in a field that is passionate about. She truly believes in patient centered care which is fundamentally based on health, stability and aesthetics.
Prof. Hani A. Salam
Language Spoken: EN / FR /
Occupation: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Professional Membership Subscriptions:
American & Canadian Board Certified
Book an appointment with Prof. Hani A. Salam
Prof. Hani A. Salam BSc, MSc, DDS, PhD, OMFSA, FICD
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
American & Canadian Board Certified
Prof. Hani A. Salam is actively involved in clinical, academic and research work in Canada, UAE and Lebanon. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University, Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Montreal, Canada, and is affiliated with the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Hani has published in peer-reviewed journals and has given more than 400 lectures, courses and workshops at national and international conferences. He lectured in multiple countries including Bahrain, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine and United States of America.
Professional Associations
• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• International Association for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• International Team of Implantology
• American Dental Association
Dr. Chantal Mhana
Language Spoken: EN / FR / ITL
Occupation: Periodontist - Specialist in Gum Disease & Implants
Book an appointment with Dr. Chantal Mhana
Dr. Chantal Mhanna is a highly experienced Dental Surgeon specializing in Periodontology, with over 15 years of private practice experience in Lebanon and the UAE. She began her career at L'atelier du Sourire in Lebanon and expanded her services to Dubai in 2022. Dr. Mhanna earned her Bachelor's degree in General Science from Collège des Sœurs des Saints-Cœurs and completed her dental degree at Saint Joseph University in Beirut in 2009. She further obtained her Master’s Degree in Periodontology from the same university in 2012.
Committed to excellence, Dr. Mhanna is an expert in both cosmetic and surgical oral treatments, including scaling and root planing, extractions, crown lengthening, and dental implant placements. She has pursued continuous training in advanced bone and soft tissue regenerative techniques and implant therapy across various countries, including the US, Germany, Romania, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria.
Fluent in English, Arabic, French, and Italian, Dr. Mhanna is dedicated to providing the highest standards of patient care and comfort, utilizing cutting-edge surgical technology. She is an active member of the Lebanese Society of Periodontology and the ITI Group, regularly participating in international conferences to stay updated on the latest advancements in her field.
**Scope of Practice:**
- Conservative treatments of the gingiva (scaling and root planing, gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, frenectomy)
- Extractions and crown-lengthening procedures
- Implant placement (including guided surgery techniques, All-on-4, All-on-6)
- Hard and soft tissue grafting (connective tissue grafting, ridge augmentation, socket preservation)
- External and internal sinus lift procedures
Dr. Mhanna's passion for dentistry and her compassionate approach make her a valued member of the dental community, ensuring her patients receive the highest standard of care.
Dr. Anna Kagramanova
Language Spoken: EN / RUS /
Occupation: General & Cosmetic Dentist
Russian Board Certified
Book an appointment with Dr. Anna Kagramanova
Dr. Anna Kagramanova is a DHA licensed general dentist, certified by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Ural State Medical Academy in Russia and has accumulated 17 years of experience working in Dubai, the Russian Federation, and the Czech Republic. Fluent in both Russian and English, she also has a basic understanding of Czech. Currently practicing at McGill Medical and Dental Center in Dubai, Dr. Kagramanova specializes in patient communication and provides routine and restorative dental care, including fillings, crowns, and whitening procedures. She has successfully expanded services to meet the needs of the Russian market and is committed to delivering exceptional dental care.
Linda Balkanyi
Language Spoken: EN /
Occupation: Hygienist (Zoom Whitening Specialist)
European Board Certified
Book an appointment with Linda Balkanyi
Born in Hungary, Linda began her dental career as a dental assistant in 2002 and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Oral Hygiene from Semmelweis University in Budapest. Fourteen years ago, she moved to Dubai with her husband to embark on a new adventure. Currently, she focuses on preventative dentistry, working to maintain natural teeth and promote oral health by preventing gum disease, cavities, and enamel wear. Her top priority is to provide the best treatment possible while building lasting relationships with her patients based on trust and confidence. Linda and her husband are proud parents of two children born in Dubai, and despite her busy life as a mom, she finds time to enjoy her favorite sport, padel tennis.
Dr. Reeya Sharma
Language Spoken: EN /
Occupation: General & Restorative Dentist
Professional Membership Subscriptions:
UK Board Certified
Book an appointment with Dr. Reeya Sharma
Dr. Reeya Sharma is a UK-qualified general and restorative dentist, now based in Dubai. She graduated with Honours from Queen Mary University of London, earning multiple awards throughout her training in recognition of her clinical skill and academic excellence.
Passionate about staying at the cutting edge of modern dentistry, Dr. Reeya has completed postgraduate certifications from both the Royal College of Surgeons of England (MJDF) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (MFDS). She regularly attends advanced training courses and workshops to ensure her patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments.
Dr. Reeya is especially known for her calm, compassionate approach and gentle touch - qualities that have earned the trust of even the most nervous patients. Her goal is to create a stress-free, pain-free dental experience, tailored to each patient.
Dr. Reeya provides comprehensive dental care for both adults and children. Her clinical expertise includes:
* Restorative Dentistry: Tooth-coloured fillings, ceramic inlays and onlays
* Root Canal Treatment: Endodontic therapy for infected or damaged teeth
* Prosthodontics: Crowns, bridges, full and partial dentures
* Myofascial Pain Management: Nightguards for jaw pain and teeth grinding
* Oral Surgery: Simple and complex tooth extractions
* Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: Deep cleaning and gum disease management under local anesthesia
Outside the clinic, Dr. Reeya enjoys exploring Dubai’s vibrant food scene, staying active, and travelling to experience different cultures.
Dr. Diala Sabanekh
Language Spoken: EN / FR /
Occupation: General & Pediatric Dentist
Professional Membership Subscriptions:
Canadian Board Certified
Book an appointment with Dr. Diala Sabanekh
Dr. Diala Sabanekh is an esteemed dental professional with a distinguished academic and clinical background. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Montreal, followed by a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from McGill University.
Dr. Sabanekh completed a rigorous post-graduate General Dental Practice Residency (GPR) at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), one of Canada's largest and most renowned medical institutions. This advanced training provided her with a broad and in-depth clinical experience.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Sabanekh serves as a clinical instructor at McGill University’s Faculty of Dentistry, where she mentors and educates the next generation of dental professionals.
Dr. Sabanekh is dedicated to professional development, having completed extensive continuing education that enhances his/her/their ability to provide a wide range of advanced treatments. She holds certification from both the American and the Canadian Dental Board.
Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Dr. Sabanekh is adept at delivering exceptional care to a diverse patient base. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), the Association des Chirurgiens Dentistes du Québec (ACDQ), and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Focused exclusively on pediatric dentistry, Dr. Sabanekh is committed to creating positive dental experiences for children, helping them develop a healthy, fear-free relationship with their dental care. Her expertise extends to performing treatments under nitrous oxide sedation and general anesthesia, ensuring the highest standards of patient comfort and safety.
Dr. Firas Al-Khoury
Language Spoken: EN / FR / AR
Occupation: Co-Founder, Cosmetic Dentist
Professional Membership Subscriptions:
American & Canadian Board Certified
Book an appointment with Dr. Firas Al-Khoury
Dr. Firas Al-Khoury is a distinguished dental professional with extensive training and experience in the field of dentistry. He completed his undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University in Montreal, Canada in 2007. Following his passion for dental health, he pursued and obtained his Doctorate degree in Dentistry from McGill University in 2011. Further honing his skills, Dr. Firas completed a multidisciplinary General Practice Residency at McGill University associated hospitals in 2012.
After his residency, Dr. Firas dedicated six years to practicing dentistry in various clinics across Montreal, gaining valuable experience and expertise. In 2016, he relocated to Dubai and began his tenure at MMDC clinic. Today, Dr. Firas Al-Khoury is a full-time practitioner at MMDC, where he is committed to providing his patients with the most advanced, research-based dental treatments available.
Dr. Firas offers a comprehensive range of dental procedures, including:
Restorative Dentistry: Composite fillings, ceramic onlays, and ceramic inlays.
Endodontic Therapy: Root canal procedures.
Prosthodontics: Crowns, bridges, implant-supported restorations, partial dentures, full dentures, and implant-supported dentures.
Myofacial Pain Treatment: Management of sleep bruxism using nightguards.
Oral Surgery: Simple and complex surgical extractions, wisdom teeth extractions, socket preservation, and bone grafting procedures with membrane.
Periodontics (Gum Treatment): Scaling and root planning under local anesthesia (deep cleaning), free gingival grafts (gum grafts), and clinical crown lengthening treatment.
Dr. Firas Al-Khoury is dedicated to delivering high-quality dental care and ensuring the well-being of his patients through the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.
Dr. Nawras Al-Khoury
Language Spoken: EN / FR /
Occupation: Co-Founder, Cosmetic Dentist & Implantologist
Professional Membership Subscriptions:
American & Canadian Board Certified
Book an appointment with Dr. Nawras Al-Khoury
Dr. Nawras Al-Khoury is a highly accomplished, North American–trained dentist known for his expertise in advanced dental techniques, compassionate patient care, and commitment to clinical excellence. He graduated from the prestigious McGill University Faculty of Dentistry in Canada and later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the United States of America, a globally recognized leader in dental education, innovation, and research.
Following his education, Dr. Al-Khoury practiced for 8 years in Charlotte, North Carolina and Montréal, Quebec, gaining extensive experience across a wide range of general and advanced dental procedures. In recent years, he has brought his expertise to Dubai, offering patients the highest standards of care rooted in North American dental principles. He is fully licensed and board-certified in both Canada and the United States, reflecting his dedication to maintaining world-class professional standards.
Dr. Al-Khoury holds an Implantology Certificate from the California Implant Institute and has earned the distinguished designations of FICOI (Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists) and FAGD (Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry)—honors that reflect his commitment to clinical excellence and ongoing education.
Areas of Special Interest
Dr. Al-Khoury’s practice focuses on delivering comprehensive, modern dental solutions that meet the growing demand for aesthetic, functional, and long-lasting results. His special interests reflect what patients most often seek when choosing a dentist they can trust:
A Personalized Approach to Dental Care:
Fluent in English and French, Dr. Al-Khoury is known for his ability to make patients feel at ease—whether they are coming in for a routine cleaning or a complex surgical procedure. His philosophy centers on education, transparency, and trust, ensuring every patient understands their treatment options and feels empowered to make informed decisions.
Patients appreciate his warm demeanor, technical precision, and passion for using technology to deliver faster, safer, and more comfortable care.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Al-Khoury enjoys staying at the forefront of dental innovation, spending time with family, and staying active through sports and outdoor activities.
