Dr. Sergio Berkstein, D.D.S., M.S.
Dr. Sergio Berkstein completed his certificate in Periodontics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1986. Dr. Berkstein also holds his DDS degree and a Masters's in Science from the same institution.
After completing his specialized training in Periodontics, Dr. Berkstein remained at the University where he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontology until 1990. During his tenure at the University, Dr. Berkstein participated in and helped to run the UMKC dental outreach program, which provided free dental services for underprivileged people in Venezuela, South America. In 1991 he moved to California to pursue a career in private practice and established his office in La Mesa, California where he limits his practice to Periodontics and dental implants. With 32 years of experience in the field of Periodontics, Dr. Berkstein has just recently built a state-of-the-art facility to provide his patients with the most comfortable and technologically advanced care. Dr. Berkstein has received the “Top Dentist” award by San Diego Magazine for the last five years and prides himself on his reputation and the trust that his colleagues demonstrate by choosing him for their patient’s care.
Dr. Berkstein has been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Periodontology and is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the San Diego County Dental Society, and the American Academy of Periodontology.
Dr. Berkstein is fluent in Spanish. He is married and has two daughters and loves spending time with his family and playing golf.
Dr. Nathan Nagavi, D.D.S., M.D.S.
Dr. Berkstein and staff are excited to welcome Dr. Nathan Nagavi to our practice. Dr. Nagavi is a dedicated periodontist serving La Mesa and our surrounding communities. Beyond his expertise in periodontal care, he is known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach. With an innate ability to connect with people, he takes the time to explain the purpose, reasoning and steps involved with each recommended treatment, believing that education is the foundation for exceptional care. For Dr. Nagavi, a doctor’s primary obligation is to teach the patient—then to treat them.
For him, periodontics is more than just a career—it’s a passion. He finds deep fulfillment in his work and is committed to excellence at every stage of patient care, ensuring a positive experience from the first consultation to the successful completion of treatment.
Having been raised in the Midwest, Dr. Nagavi earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, as an Honors Scholar, from the University of Cincinnati. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry on a Dean’s Scholarship in 2002. After practicing for more than 15 years as an accomplished cosmetic dentist, he pursued an additional 3 years of specialty surgical training in periodontics and implantology at the University of Tennessee Advanced Periodontology Program to become a specialist in periodontal surgery and dental implants. He is also trained and certified to administer oral and intravenous (IV) moderate conscious sedation for our patients’ comfort and peace of mind.
Dr. Nagavi enjoys attending dental conferences and continuing education seminars to stay current on the latest, cutting-edge treatment modalities, in order to provide his patients with the best possible outcomes. As a skilled periodontal surgeon, he is committed to providing exceptional periodontal care, blending advanced surgical skills, extensive training, and genuine compassion to help his patients achieve optimal oral health in a calm, comfortable and caring environment.
Outside of the office, Dr. Nagavi leads an active, healthy lifestyle and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.