Periodontal Treatment in Vienna, VA

Have you been checked for periodontal disease in Vienna, VA?

Did you know that nearly half of US adults over the age of 30 have some level of periodontal disease? This chronic inflammation attacks the gums and supporting structures of your teeth, including bone. Without prompt treatment, gum disease can quickly progress and lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues involving the major organs.

The good news is that, in most cases, periodontal disease can be prevented and treated with professional therapies and proper oral hygiene.

At Tysons Dentistry, we understand the severity of gum disease and the effects it can have on both your dental and general health. We have always been strong advocates of prevention as the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

If you would like to schedule a periodontal exam or haven’t been to the dentist in a while, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. And read through the questions below to learn more about this preventable condition.

• What is periodontal disease?
• What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
• How can preventive dentistry help lower my risks?
• What can I do to lower my periodontal disease risks between dental visits?
• How do you treat periodontal disease in Vienna, VA?
• What happens after periodontal treatment

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a series of infections that invade your bones and soft tissues. Without treatment, you risk losing your teeth and compromising your systemic health.

Periodontal disease left untreated has been linked to:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Low birth weight in babies
• Lung issues

Gum disease is destructive, but it's more than an oral health issue. Numerous studies now show a definite connection between chronic oral inflammations and diseases of the body. More research is being conducted, but it's thought that bacteria enter the bloodstream and contribute to serious health problems.

At Tysons Dentistry, we take immediate action to restore you to better oral health and lower your risks.  

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

The symptoms of periodontal disease can be mild—you may not notice until it’s advanced—which is why regular dental visits are so important.

When symptoms do arise, you may notice:

• Bleeding gums, especially while brushing your teeth
• Gum redness, swelling, or gums pocketing away from your teeth
• Loose or loosening teeth
• Tooth pain and sensitivity, especially to hot or cold
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

We recommend contacting your Vienna, VA dentist if you notice any oral health changes, even if they are not on the above list.

How can preventive dentistry help lower my risks?

Preventive dentistry is the very symbol of oral health. It is the first step in prevention—not only in periodontal disease but in cavities and root infections.

The American Dental Association and most dentists recommend at least two preventive dentistry appointments each year. During this exam, your dentist checks for emerging periodontal disease—also called gingivitis—cavities, oral cancers, and so much more. If your dentist can spot periodontal disease in the gingivitis stage, it is often reversible. When gingivitis becomes periodontitis, it is only treatable.

Your dentist also takes periodic x-rays to get a closer look at your gum health or any underlying issues that are not visible through a visual exam alone.

Your professional teeth cleaning—an important part of prevention—allows our hygienist to remove the stubborn bacteria, plaque, and tartar that put you at risk for periodontal disease, cavities, and infections.

It’s crucial to schedule and keep all preventive dentistry appointments to lower your risks significantly.

An excellent oral hygiene routine is crucial for lowering your risks for all preventable oral health conditions, including periodontal disease.

It would be best if you were brushing your teeth and flossing at least twice per day. And it’s essential to clean your teeth before bed. You never want to sleep with bacteria on your gums.

The way you brush and floss is also important. You should be spending time on each tooth and brushing all surfaces, including the gums—gently but thoroughly.

With dental floss, you should be using a clean piece every time you move on to a new tooth. Wrapping the floss around your fingers is the best way to accomplish this. You should also be moving against the natural curve of each tooth to the gumline. You never want to pull or force your floss.

If you smoke, it can restrict blood flow and slow healing. To lower your risks for periodontal disease—and many other health complications—we always recommend that you stop tobacco use in all forms, including vaping and chewing.

Finally, if you notice any oral health changes such as tooth sensitivity or bleeding gums, it is important to contact our dental office to schedule an appointment.

How do you treat periodontal disease in Vienna, VA?

Periodontal disease begins to develop when bacteria-filled plaque builds up between your teeth and underneath the gums that help support them. Over time, bones recede, and pockets open up between your teeth and gums. Your teeth may begin to feel loose, and without treatment, the teeth may be lost.

By measuring the depth of these gum pockets, our doctors or hygienists can detect periodontal disease and how far it has advanced. Depending on the extent of the disease present, Dr. Sanati and Dr. Shahram may recommend scaling or root planing, a process where the surface of the tooth is smoothed (planed) to allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.

In some cases, topical antibiotics or healing agents may be appropriate.

If inflammation and deep pockets remain, we will use our state-of-the-art periodontal lasers to eliminate harmful bacteria, promote healthy gum tissue regeneration, and keep gum disease in remission. Laser therapy is gentle, comfortable, and requires very little recovery time.

With the goal of restoring and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, we develop a personalized treatment plan. Every patient has different needs, and your periodontal care will be customized to meet them. Our dentists will explain how periodontal treatment will benefit you and answer any questions you have.

You can easily avoid these complex treatments with regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and effective at-home oral hygiene. Our team is here to support you during and after treatment, and we will show you how you can prevent further infections.

Your dentist or a team member may also recommend a specific oral hygiene routine for home. This may include rinsing or including an additional brushing and flossing session to your regimen. A team member can also show you the best way to brush and floss for optimal results.

Please Contact Your Dentist in 22182

The time to take steps to protect your oral health is sooner rather than later. If you believe you may have gum disease or are overdue for a dental cleaning, please contact our Vienna, VA dental office, and we will be happy to arrange a convenient appointment.

And we do understand that you may feel self-conscious or nervous about gum disease treatment. We are a judgment-free dental practice, and our goal is only to restore your oral health compassionately.

We treat periodontal disease in all locations, including Mclean, Reston, Merrifield, Fairfax, and Great Falls.