Gum Disease Therapy
Periodontal Deep Cleaning in Sterling, VA
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, our team at PK Dentistry in Sterling, VA, can help! Contact us today at 703-421-8988 to schedule a consultation.
What are Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease is one of the two most common forms of dental disease. The accumulation of bacteria in dental plaque causes an inflammatory response within the periodontal tissues in the mouth that surround and support teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to bone and gum tissue recession and gingival pocket formations that cause tooth loss.
Gum disease is classified into two types: gum inflammation called gingivitis, or periodontal diseases, which are gum infections that lead to loss of gum or bone tissue.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The gum tissue surrounding the tooth becomes red, swollen, and bleeds easily. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. See your dentist as soon as possible to keep the disease from spreading and worsening.
Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal disease refers to gum diseases that destroy gum and bone tissue. This is the later stage of gum disease and requires professional intervention and treatment to limit the spread. The gums will form pockets, and the teeth can become loose. Your dentist will determine which treatment plan will be best for you.
Gum disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetics
- Lack of Oral Hygiene
- Infrequent Dental Checkups
- Smoking and Tobacco use
- Misaligned Teeth
- Poor Nutrition
- Other conditions such as diabetes, HIV, and RA (Rheumatoid arthritis)
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Since you may not feel any pain from gum disease, it is essential to understand the beginning warning signs, but your best line of defense against gum disease is to visit our dentists at PK Dentistry regularly. Our dentist and dental hygienist will identify and treat the earliest signs of disease.
Some of the signs and symptoms associated with gum disease include:
- Inflamed and red gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums and exposed tooth root surfaces
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Teeth that feel loose
- Development of new spaces between teeth or change in your bite
- Discharge around teeth and gums
- Sharp or dull pain when biting down or chewing
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call us at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment. Your oral health and overall health are important to us.
How do we treat gum disease at PK?
After an initial appointment with one of our dentists, we will determine the stage of the disease and create a custom treatment plan for you.
Non-surgical Treatments:
- Professional Cleaning: Our dental hygienists and dentists can perform professional dental cleaning for the early stage of gum disease or gingivitis. This removes the hardened plaque and tartar build-up on the tooth’s surface.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Normal dental cleaning is no longer safe when a patient has reached later gum disease or periodontitis. Instead, our dentist will begin with scaling and root planing treatment. This may require more than one visit, depending on the severity of your gum condition. Scaling involves the dentist or hygienist removing plaque and tartar in the periodontal pockets of the gum line.
- Oral Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics, either a gel or mouth rinse, can help control bacterial infection.
Gum Tissue and Grafting Treatments for Treating Gum Disease
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: This procedure stimulates the growth of bone and gum tissue when the supporting teeth are damaged. Tissue regeneration is usually combined with flap surgery and allows the bone and connective tissue to regrow.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: This procedure strengthens thin gum lines or fills areas where the gums have receded. The grafted tissue is often taken from the roof of the mouth and stitched in place of the affected area.
- Bone Grafts: Pieces of your bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone are used to reattach teeth to the jawbone.
- Flap Surgery: The pocket reduction of a small piece of mesh-like fabric inserted between the bone and gum tissues. It is often used in combination with bone surgery and tissue regeneration.
Contact PK Dentistry to Schedule Your Gum Infection Treatment Today! | General Dentistry
According to the CDC, one in two adults over the age of 30, and over 70% of those older than 65, are affected by periodontal disease in the United States. If you are looking for a professional dentist who can diagnose and treat gum disease, schedule an appointment with PK Dentistry today! Feel free to reach us at 703-421-8988.
