Gum Disease Treatment – Fairfax, VA
Regain a Healthy Smile
According to the Centers for Disease Control, periodontal (gum) disease in the United States affects almost half of adults over the age of 35. Left untreated, this inflammatory disease can take a significant toll on your oral and overall health. With early detection and routine maintenance, our skilled team can help you avoid the detrimental effects of gum disease and regain a healthy smile . Keep reading to find out how we can keep your smile protected and healthy with periodontal therapy in Fairfax, VA.
Why Choose Fairfax Dental Group for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Skilled Team of Dental Experts
- Multiple Treatment Options
- Kind & Empathetic Support Staff
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection in the gum tissue. It has two main stages:
- Gingivitis. may manifest itself in the form of swollen gums, bad breath, and other mild symptoms.
- Periodontitis. If gum disease is allowed to progress from gingivitis to periodontitis, it can cause severe gum recession, bone damage in the jaw, and other serious consequences.
Some major risk factors for gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- The use of tobacco products
- Genetic factors
- Immune-compromising health problems
- Dry mouth
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Symptoms of Gum Disease
You may have gingivitis if you are experiencing:
- Swollen, red, and puffy gums
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss
- Chronic bad breath
If gingivitis goes untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In addition to the symptoms of gingivitis, this condition can cause:
- Gum recession (Your teeth may start to look unusually long.)
- Increased dental sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots
- Loose permanent teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Changes in the way your dentures fit
- Tooth loss
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
There are different ways to treat gum disease. When you visit us for a consultation, we will examine your mouth and learn about your symptoms before we recommend your next steps. Some cases of gingivitis can be reversed via at-home oral hygiene. In other instances, additional treatment is necessary.
Scaling & Root Planing
For moderate levels of gum disease, scaling and root planing is the gold standard treatment. We use special tools to clean above and below the gumline, removing accumulations of bacteria. Then, we smooth out the teeth’s roots to lower the risk of reinfection. This option is wonderfully effective for many patients.
Antibiotic Treatment
Arestin is our antibiotic treatment of choice. We apply small microspheres of medicine into the pockets between your teeth and gums. They will gradually release bacteria-fighting medicine over the course of two weeks or so. By targeting the origin of the infection, we can help to control your condition and get you back on track toward optimal oral health.
Pocket Irrigation
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that results in pockets of bacteria developing between the teeth and gums. By removing diseased tissue and targeting the infected area directly with an antimicrobial agent, your dentist can kill the bacteria at the source for more effective gum disease treatment.