Alexandria, VA
Periodontics
Periodontics
Periodontics refers to a dental field that focuses primarily on diseases and conditions affecting the gums and supporting tooth structures. Periodontists provide services in diagnosing, preventing, and treating patients with periodontal, gum, and other oral diseases. Periodontal treatment can greatly improve symptoms, reduce pain, and prevent further dental complications from arising.
The most common cause of periodontal and gum disease is plaque buildup, often the result of poor oral hygiene habits such as inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Plaque eventually leads to tartar, a substance that eats away at enamel and causes inflammation and infection. Tartar can also reach below the gum line, making the teeth harder to clean and maintain.Other common risk factors include diabetes, hormonal changes in girls and women, medications that decrease saliva flow, certain illnesses, and genetics.
Periodontic FAQs
Will My Insurance Cover Periodontal Treatment?
While the answer to this question varies on a case-by-case basis, most dental insurance policies tend to cover periodontal treatment. For the most accurate possible answer, speak to your carrier directly. Do not forget to bring your medical and dental benefit information and cards to your appointment.
Can My Kids Develop Periodontal Disease?
It is rare for children to develop periodontal disease, though it does sometimes occur (particularly in adolescents). In any case, it is essential for patients of all ages to learn the importance of keeping a good oral hygiene routine to keep periodontal disease at bay in the future.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis. This common condition causes inflammation and tenderness along the gumline. Patients with gingivitis need prompt treatment. Untreated gingivitis may put patients at risk for tooth or jawbone loss.
Are Bleeding Gums A Sign Of Cancer?
Gum bleeding is often a sign of infection or poor oral hygiene. Sometimes, however, bleeding gums can be a symptom of leukemia. Patients with bleeding gums should always seek an immediate evaluation. A dentist can determine the cause of the patient's symptoms and provide treatment.
Does Smoking Cause Bleeding Gums?
People who smoke are at high risk for gum disease, tooth loss, and other dental problems. Many smokers also develop bleeding gums. Contrary to popular belief, e-cigarettes are not a safer option. E-cigs can also damage the teeth and gums. Patients who smoke may want to consider a smoking cessation program.
Can Pregnancy Cause Bleeding Gums?
Many people develop bleeding gums during pregnancy. These symptoms are usually temporary and rarely cause serious health problems. Regardless, it is important to seek treatment right away. A dentist can stop the bleeding and treat any underlying gum disorders.
Root Scaling and Planing
Root scaling and planing remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria to improve gum health. Many patients think of gum disease as a minor nuisance. However, untreated gum infections can put your health at risk. Fortunately, a root scaling and planing treatment can help.
Root scaling is a periodontal treatment that deep cleans the gums. This treatment is more extensive than the routine cleaning during a regular dental check-up. We will remove all plaque, bacterial toxins, and tartar deposits from the teeth and root surfaces during the procedure. A dental scaler or ultrasonic instrument can also assist in clearing the bacterial buildup. For even deeper cleaning, patients can also have a root planing treatment. During root planing, we will clean under the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. The root surface of the gums is smoothed and treated to keep gum disease from progressing. These non-surgical procedures aim to remove bacteria from the gum and root in patients with deep periodontal pockets.
Procedure Aftercare
After root scaling and planing, patients may experience:
These side effects usually disappear within a few days. Patients can speed their recovery by following the team's aftercare instructions. During recovery, patients may need to avoid certain foods. Patients may also receive instructions about their at-home oral care. Thorough brushing and flossing help prevent gum disease from returning. However, patients may need to delay flossing for a few days to allow the gums time to heal. The dental team can provide more information about when patients can resume their regular activities.
Many patients with periodontal disease need ongoing care. They may benefit from annual scaling and planing procedures. These procedures can overlap with the patient's regular exams and dental cleanings. Our team can help patients develop a plan for their future dental care.
Root Scaling and Planing FAQs
Is Root Scaling And Planing Painful?
Dental providers use numbing medication to prevent patients from feeling discomfort during treatment. Afterwards, patients may experience sore or tender gums. However, these side effects usually disappear within a few days.
How Long Will It Take For My Gums To Recover?
Most patients make a full recovery within 1-2 weeks. Keep in mind that some patients may need frequent scaling and planing. Annual or biannual procedures can prevent gum disease from returning. Our team can determine whether you need ongoing treatment.
How Long Does The Procedure Last?
Root scaling and planing usually take 1-2 hours. The dental provider may perform the treatment in one visit, or they may split the procedure into two stages. Our team can determine the right treatment schedule for you.
What Are The Risks Of Root Scaling And Planing?
Most patients are eligible for root scaling and planing procedures. However, this treatment may not be right for patients with bleeding disorders or compromised immune systems. Patients with severe tooth decay or oral infections may benefit from a different treatment. Our team can determine whether you are a candidate for root scaling and planing.
How Can I Know If I Need This Procedure?
Root scaling and planing can treat an advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis symptoms may include:
- Swollen gums
- Red or purplish gums
- Gum bleeding
- Bad breath
- Visible pus along the gumline
Untreated periodontitis can result in tooth loss, receding gums, and widespread infection. Researchers have also found that patients with periodontitis are at a higher risk for heart disease and dementia. Treatment helps patients resolve gum disease and other issues that may occur from gum disease.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious condition that can infect the gums, destroying the jaw and underlying bone. There are many ways to prevent gum disease and various treatment options for patients who acquire it. Effective and successful gum disease treatment involves detection in the early stages before any severe damage to the gums, bone, or jaw can occur.
Gum disease can take a toll on your health. Along with oral health issues, gum disease can have lasting effects on the body. This makes it crucial to seek professional evaluation and treatment when noticing bleeding gums. In many cases, bleeding gums are often an early warning sign of gum disease.
To properly diagnose a patient with gum disease, we measure the pocket depths between the gums and the teeth. Healthy teeth measure about 1 to 3 mm in depth, while unhealthy teeth measure pocket depths up to 6 mm. This measurement, also called periodontal probing, tells us how severe the patient's condition is. We also take X-rays and conduct a physical examination of the mouth. A few dental procedures that have been found effective in treating gum disease include scale and polish, root planing, and surgery.
Preventing Gum Disease
There are a variety of ways patients can prevent the development and progression of periodontal disease. First and foremost, practicing adequate oral hygiene habits is essential for proper oral care and function. We suggest doing the following to prevent periodontal disease:
Brush Your Teeth
Brushing after meals can help remove food debris and plaque trapped between the teeth and gums, especially if one thoroughly brushes the tongue.
Floss
Flossing at least once a day can help remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush cannot quite reach.
Swiss With Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash helps reduce plaque and can remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing missed.
Know Your Risk
Age, smoking, diet, and genetics can all increase the risk for periodontal disease. If at increased risk, be sure to talk with the dental professional.
See A Periodontist
Get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation, where we'll look at the teeth, plaque level, gums, bone structure and other risk factors for periodontal disease.
Gum Disease FAQs
What Are The Symptoms Of Gum Disease?
Gum disease may go unnoticed for some time, especially as it is not always accompanied by pain. Even symptoms in the late stages of gum disease can be very subtle. It is crucial for patients to know the signs of gum disease, so they know how to identify them. Common symptoms of gum disease include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in the bite
- Painful chewing
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Gums that bleed after and during brushing teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Persistent bad breath or taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Sensitive teeth
Patients may still be afflicted by gum disease even without these symptoms. Some people, for instance, may only have gum disease that affects certain teeth. Our team can help identify any dental problems you may have.
What Happens If I Do Not Get Treatment For Gum Disease?
In mild cases of gum disease, people will experience red and swollen gum tissue. The swelling can make smiles appear less attractive and make brushing painful. When later stages of gum disease are left untreated, it can result in jaw damage and even tooth loss.
Is Gum Disease Curable?
Gum disease is reversible in mild to moderate cases in which the infection has not caused severe side effects, such as tooth loss. Periodontal disease, the advanced stage of gum disease, is not reversible. It is important to undergo treatment immediately after a diagnosis to prevent further progression of the disease.
What If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
When gum disease goes untreated, the infection inevitably spreads and destroys more of the gums, underlying bone, and jaw. That is why loose teeth and tooth loss are common complications of the disease. Gum disease can also result in cardiovascular and respiratory issues as plaque travels through the mouth to the airways and valves within our other body systems.
What Is The Link Between Gum Disease And Cardiovascular Disease?
The mouth is one of the main entryways to the rest of the body, and any bacteria, good or bad, travels through the airways to the respiratory system. Plaque is an extremely harmful bacteria that can clog arteries and the heart valves, causing cardiovascular problems.
Periodontal Surgeries
In severe cases and advanced stages, some patients may require periodontal surgery to effectively remove an infection. Periodontal surgery consists of a variety of treatments that target different regions of the mouth. Surgical procedures include flap surgery, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, or soft tissue grafts. Some periodontal surgeries we offer include:
Osseous Surgery
This procedure is used to reshape and smooth the bone supporting the teeth, eliminating bone defects and pockets that harbor disease-causing bacteria. By creating a shallow, clean environment, this surgery makes it easier for patients to maintain healthy gums and prevents further periodontal disease progression.
Gingivectomy
A Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of excess gum tissue to treat gum disease or to improve the cosmetic appearance of a "gummy" smile. This procedure recontours the gum line to expose more of the natural tooth structure, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Gingival Graft
Tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or another donor source and attached to an area where the gum line has receded. This surgery covers exposed tooth roots, which reduces sensitivity and prevents further bone loss and root decay.
Frenectomy
A Frenectomy is the simple removal or repositioning of a frenum (a small fold of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the gum tissue). This procedure is often necessary to close gaps between teeth, improve tongue mobility for speech, or prevent gum recession.