Gum Disease Treatment

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, some 80 percent of American adults have some degree of gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, this chronic bacterial infection is the leading cause of tooth loss. And that’s only one of the health problems that can result from this disease. Fortunately, gum disease is treatable. At Virginia Dentistry by Design, we diagnose gum disease, provide treatment to reverse and arrest the progress of the disease and show you how to practice an at-home oral hygiene routine that effectively prevents gum disease.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

In the early stage—gingivitis—gum disease is marked by symptoms that include red, swollen or bleeding gums. As the disease progresses to the later stage—periodontitis—inflammation increases, gums may recede, pockets around teeth may fill with pus and ultimately there may be tooth loss. The problems, however, do not end there. Reliable evidence has drawn a connection between the bacteria that cause gum disease and other bodily ailments, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and low birth weight in newborn infants. So, by diagnosing and treating gum disease we are not only guarding your oral health, but your overall health, as well.

Causes of Gum Disease

The chief cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, that sticky substance that accumulates in our mouths every day. If not properly removed with daily brushing and flossing, plaque becomes tartar—a hard and rough substance in which bacteria multiply and produce the toxins that lead to the development of periodontal disease.

Scaling & Root Planing

To thoroughly clean your teeth of plaque and tartar, we perform a procedure called scaling and root planing. During scaling, we use a small scaling instrument or an ultrasonic cleaner to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line of your teeth. Once this process is completed, the roots of your teeth are planed or smoothed. A smooth root surface is less likely to accumulate plaque, so your gum tissue can heal and have a chance to reattach to tooth surfaces.

After gum disease treatment, maintaining an effective at-home oral hygiene routine is critical. Dr. Dilolli advises brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing at least once. Flossing is particularly important for removing plaque that buildups between your teeth. In addition to home maintenance, be sure to schedule your biannual dental checkups at Virginia Dentistry by Design in Herndon, VA, so we can regularly monitor your gums and oral health.