Periodontics
Periodontics is the area of dentistry that specializes in the health and appearance of the structures that support the teeth. Our Ivy-League trained dentists at Smile Designer DDS in Arlington, VA, can provide you with all the benefits periodontal care can offer.
Why Is Periodontal Care Important?
The gums and jawbone hold your teeth firmly in place, and when there's a problem, you may experience severe pain, loose teeth, changes in tooth alignment, and even missing teeth. These dental concerns can lead to problems with chewing and speaking. They may also make you feel self-conscious about your smile.
Periodontics focuses on the care of the supportive structures of the mouth, like the gums and jawbone, and the treatment of diseases and conditions that can affect them.
Achieve High-Quality Periodontal Care
From Ivy-League Trained,
Board-Certified Dentists
Certain oral health concerns like gum recession, periodontal disease, and other advanced oral health issues may require the help of a periodontist.
Our periodontist, Dr. Daniel Han, has received special training in this field of dentistry and can provide his patients with the treatment necessary to restore the health and integrity of their mouths. He is certified in both Periodontics / Implantology and Periodontal Prosthesis (advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry). He is also recognized as a Diplomate by the American Board of Periodontology.
If you have periodontal disease or other problems with the supportive structures in your mouth, we invite you to fill out our contact form or call our Arlington, VA, office:
(703) 351-7645
In addition to being highly trained, Dr. Han uses sophisticated dental technology to make treatment more precise, effective, and comfortable for patients. "Professional and friendly"
Bonnie Ahn
2021
Dr. Han and his staffs are always professional and friendly. When you have an emergency, they go out of their ways to provide the care you need and beyond. Thank you!!! So conveniently located in Roslyn. I can walk to the dental office so it’s a plus for me! Olivia, the manager, is so kind and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this practice for your dental needs.
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Adelina M
2020
Amazing staff all throughout the office, from the receptionist to the hygienists and the doctors! And I know because I had to work with many staff members, having had an implant (which meant many different procedures). They always took the time to explain everything that was going on (with my dental care, my insurance payments process, and other services I was interested in). Couldn't recommend them more :)
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What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontitis or periodontal disease, is the inflammation of the gums. After plaque and bacteria have built up underneath the gumline, your gums can become inflamed, periodontal pockets can develop between the teeth and gums, your gums can recede, and serious oral health problems can occur.
In its earliest stages, gum disease is easy to reverse. However, at this stage, it's hard for untrained eyes to detect. That's why it’s so important to schedule regular appointments with your dentist. They can examine you for early signs of gum disease and prevent widespread damage.
The Progression of Periodontitis
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontitis. Symptoms may include discoloration, swollen gums, and bad breath. This stage of gum disease can be hard to detect, but is easy to reverse.
Periodontitis
When left untreated, gingivitis turns to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. The symptoms of periodontitis include gum recession, loose teeth, and sore or sensitive teeth.
Advanced Periodontitis
The advanced stages of gum disease include symptoms such as tooth loss, changes in alignment, pus along the gumline, and severe oral pain.
Our Periodontal Services
Our highly trained dentists at Smile Designer in Arlington, VA, are able to provide patients with a variety of treatments for the conditions that can affect the gums and jawbone.
Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal disease can sometimes require treatment in the form of scaling and root planing. During this procedure, your dentist removes built-up plaque and tartar from the tooth and the tooth roots beneath the gumline. The procedure encourages healthy gums to reattach to teeth and helps prevent bacteria from growing.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can treat periodontal disease by removing inflamed gum tissue and bacteria. It also stimulates the formation of new connective tissue to help prevent new bacteria from re-infecting the treated area. This therapy is often used in combination with scaling and root planing to treat different areas of concern above and below the gumline.
Gum Graft
Gum recession can lead to exposed tooth roots, which can be a cosmetic concern and cause sensitivity. Exposed tooth roots are also more susceptible to hard-to-treat cavities. Our periodontist can correct gum recession with a gum graft. During this procedure, a piece of gum tissue from the roof of the mouth or another healthy area is used to build up the gumline where it has receded.
Bone Graft and Sinus Lift
If your jawbone has atrophied in either the top or bottom jaw, our periodontist can perform a bone graft or sinus lift to restore the structure. These procedures can allow patients to support a dental implant so they can replace missing teeth.
"I travel 40 miles" For Care from Smile Designer
Maya Clark
June 01, 2021
All way a pleasant experience in this practice. They are kind and dental and accommodating. I travel 40 miles one way just to continue my care with this practice.
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Mariano Novoa
July 17, 2021
I’ve been to a couple of other dentists in the DC metro area and this is by far the best experience I’ve ever had. The staff is really friendly, they are efficient, and really care about their customers.
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Keeping Your Gums Healthy
At-Home Care
Proper dental care at home can help prevent periodontal disease. Our Arlington, VA, dental practice recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an oral rinse once a day to help keep your gums healthy.
Avoid Nicotine Products
Nicotine products can limit the blood supply to your gums, increasing your risk of developing problems like periodontal disease and gum recession. Nicotine can also cause dental implants to fail in patients who are trying to restore their mouths after tooth loss.
Visit the Dentist
Scheduling regular visits with our practice will allow our dentists to ensure your gums are healthy. We can perform routine examinations to catch gum disease in its earliest stages when it's easier to reverse and create a treatment plan for more advanced dental concerns.
Why Choose a Dentist
WHO SPECIALIZES IN PERIODONTICS?
A periodontist is a type of dentist who, after completing dental school, goes on to complete specialty training. Dr. Han, our periodontist in Arlington, VA, has completed specialty training in periodontics and periodontal prosthesis. He can provide you with a variety of treatment options for conditions affecting the supporting structures of your mouth and perform restorative procedures to correct any damage that has been done.
Dr. Han is also a recognized Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, meaning he has made significant achievements beyond what is required in his field.
We Help Make Treatment More Affordable With Flexible Financing
Untreated periodontal issues can lead to more expensive problems in the future. Dental insurance typically covers at least part of your treatments. But if financial obstacles are preventing you from getting the care you need, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit®. This healthcare financing option allows you to spread out your payments over several months. If you would like more information, call or leave us a message so that we can explain your options.
