Gum Disease
We Can Stop Gum Disease Advancement Let Us Treat Your Gums
By maintaining regular checkups and practicing good dental hygiene, you can prevent periodontal issues. If ignored, gum disease can lead to bad breath and tooth loss. Advanced gum disease can cause serious health issues like heart disease. If our dentists detect gum disease early, however, we can reverse its effects.
Dr. Casey, Dr. Ahn, or Dr. Han at Smile Designer can diagnose your gums and provide effective treatment in our Arlington, VA, office. Don't wait for your gingivitis to progress to periodontitis. Call our office today or request a consultation.
(703) 351-7645
"I feel valued and cared for when I go to Smile Designers." 5-Star Reviews
Sonjia Ford
2020
Dr. Han rescued and is restoring my mouth from previously poor dental procedures to healthy teeth and gum. I feel valued and cared for when I go to Smile Designers. The staff is authentically pleasant (Olivia is the gold standard). If you require dental care do yourself a favor and go to Smile Designer.
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Ayisha Lockett
2021
Dr. H, My mouth feels awesome after my second round of the world renowned LANAP procedure. Especially after you adjusted my bite. You guys keep my mouth feeling as young as I look going on 49yrs old!! Kudos to all of you.
View On GoogleTreating Gum Disease
Periodontal Disease Risk Factors
Brushing and maintaining good oral care can help prevent periodontal issues. Other factors that can contribute to gum disease include:
Tobacco Use
Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase the risk of developing periodontitis. Tobacco users tend to develop more serious forms of gum disease. They also have a much lower chance of successful treatment.
Compromised Immunity
Patients with diabetes, AIDS, leukemia, and other conditions that compromise your immune system are at a higher risk of developing infections like periodontitis.
Hormonal Changes
Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are times in life when a patient may experience a hormonal change. During these times, patients have an increased risk of periodontal disease.
Genetics
Patients who have a family history of gum disease are more likely to develop the condition, too. Be sure to review both your personal and family health history during your consultation with one of our dentists.
Treatment Methods
Smile Designer in Arlington, VA, can treat all stages of gum disease. We can also teach you how to maintain your oral health by brushing and flossing.
Patients with gingivitis are usually good candidates for conservative treatments, while periodontitis may require more aggressive treatments.
Antibiotics
Medication may be prescribed to eliminate infection. Medication can come in the form of pills, medicated toothpaste, or mouthwash.
Scaling or Root Planing
Root planing and scaling is an effective option for patients with gingivitis. The patient undergoes a deep cleaning where one of our dentists will clean the teeth below the gum line, reducing the pockets that can form between the teeth and gums.
Laser Gum Therapy
For patients who have advanced periodontal disease, our dentists can eliminate bacteria below the gum line using advanced laser technology. Our Trios® laser technology is less invasive than traditional methods, reducing discomfort with a quicker recovery time than other gum disease treatments.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque. The easiest way to avoid gum disease is to remove the plaque daily. Maintaining good oral health will prevent gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities.
Brushing
Patients should brush their teeth and gums at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush to keep them plaque-free.
Flossing
Daily flossing is also important for preventing gum disease. Only dental floss can remove plaque at the gumline and in between teeth.
Dental Exams
Keeping regular appointments with your dentist is important to preventing gum disease. An examination every six months at our Arlington, VA, dental office can include a cleaning and fluoride treatment, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Advanced Health Issues Can Form If Gum Disease is Untreated
Advanced periodontal disease can increase your risk of several other medical conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Premature birth
- Respiratory disease
Laser Dentistry Can Address Periodontal Disease
Treatments for Lost Teeth
Patients who experience advanced gum disease and have lost teeth may be able to restore their smile through a number of solutions like dental implants or a full mouth reconstruction. Recommended treatment will depend on the severity of your tooth loss and the health of your jaws. For weaker jaws, the dentists at Smile Designer may suggest a bone grafting treatment, which adds volume and density to the jawbone.
Schedule a consultation at our Arlington, VA, office after your gum disease treatment to learn which restorative procedure is right for your oral health.
(703) 351-7645
"Super helpful & incredibly nice." More 5-Star Reviews
christine lathrop
2022
They are great! Super helpful & incredibly nice. I have been coming here for a few years. They are very professional, flexible, and always responsive. I have had a great experience with both their orthodontist & periodontist.
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Raymond O'Prey
2021
Thorough follow up on bone graft - success. I’ll need another. Dr. Han and team clearly communicated the options and best plan of action to make my smile beautiful again!
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