Periodontal Services in Vienna, VA
If you are looking for periodontal services in Vienna, VA, look no further. At Capital Esthetics & Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of treatments to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth. Call us at 703-225-0040.
What is periodontal disease?
If you have deep pockets between your teeth and gums, bleeding gums, or bad breath, it can signify gum disease.
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection caused by bacteria deep in the gum pockets, causing bone and tissue damage over time. If left untreated, not only will it cause tooth decay and bone loss, but advanced gum disease can be very detrimental to your oral health.
To confirm that an individual has periodontal disease, Dr. Pham will provide a thorough exam of your teeth, mouth, and gums. Even in the earliest stage of gum disease, she will determine a diagnosis.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum disease is often not detected until it has become a serious problem. Watch out for the following warning signs of gum disease:
- Red, swollen and sensitive, or painful gums
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or chewing
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, visit our dental office as soon as possible for treatment. Contact us today at 703-225-0040.
Types of Gum Disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and easily bleed. There is usually little to no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene at home and professional treatment.
Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body essentially turns on itself. Over time, the bacteria and plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. The tissues and bones that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. The gums will separate from the teeth and begin forming pockets between the teeth. As the disease progresses, the pockets become deeper and more tissue is destroyed. As this process continues, teeth will start to fall out as the gums recede from the teeth.
Periodontics at Capital Esthetics and Family Dentistry
Dr. Pham is an expert in periodontics and other comprehensive treatments in Northern Virginia. No matter what dental issues you are experiencing, she is here to help. For those with any grade of periodontitis, we provide proper treatment plans to reverse the disease to save your gums and teeth.
Periodontal Treatment
Depending on the severity of your case, our dentist may recommend additional professional dental cleanings, improved at-home oral hygiene, antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), or gum surgery.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Regular dental cleanings are not safe for patients when they have gum disease. This is because dental cleanings focus on the area above the gum line. As a result, the bacteria below the gum line could potentially access the bloodstream and cause sepsis in the patient.
Instead, we use Scaling and Root Planning or Deep Cleaning treatment. This treatment uses special tools to penetrate the gum line and remove the periodontal disease-causing bacteria. This treatment is usually done in two appointments, one month apart.
Antibiotic Treatment
When periodontitis is advanced, and the patient is suffering from progressive bone loss, we may recommend antibiotic treatment to help fight the bacteria growth.
Gum Surgery
Our periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery as a treatment for periodontitis. This surgery removes the infected gum tissue and bone from around the teeth to allow periodontal disease treatment with improved results.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance involves visiting our office regularly, typically once every three months, for a professional cleaning. These treatments include thorough cleanings above and below the gum line, removing plaque, tartar (hardened plaque, also called dental calculus), and bacteria to prevent the condition from worsening.
Periodontal maintenance is recommended every three months because when biofilm is not removed, the periodontal bacteria flourish within three to twelve weeks. We can remove these bacteria and keep the condition under control by cleaning at twelve weeks (three months).
Schedule an appointment at Capital Esthetics and Family Dentistry today at 703-225-0040!