Periodontal Disease Therapy in Fairfax, VA

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which begins with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis. Fairfax VA Dentist, Dr. Hang Le, DDS can treat periodontal diseases at various stages. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and should be taken very seriously.   Although periodontal or gum disease is typically signified by red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, in some cases it has no noticeable symptoms.
What is Periodontal Disease
Most often the buildup of plaque and tartar when teeth are not brushed and flossed routinely can cause bacterial infection of the gums and tissues that support your teeth. This results in the onset of what is referred to as Periodontal disease.

 

Sugary food and drinks, and also medical conditions such as diabetes can also contribute to Periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease Progression and Treatment in Fairfax VA
Periodontal diseases occur in 3 stages

    1. Gingivitis: This affects only the gums. It is a mild form of periodontal disease, and if properly treated may be reversed. Left untreated, gingivitis turns into periodontitis.
    2. Periodontitis: This is a more destructive disease stage, in which bacteria penetrates into the deeper pockets of tissue where bone and membrane support your teeth. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and serious health problems.
    3. Advance Periodontitis: During this stage the teeth will lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed.  You will also have moderate to severe bone loss at this stage.

Periodontal disease is usually referred to as a “silent” disease, there is usually no pain accompanying it’s warning signs until it is well advanced.

Common signs of Periodontal disease

  1.  Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
  2.  Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
  3.  New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
  4.  Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
  5.  Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
  6.  Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
  7.  Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
  8.  Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Fairfax Periodontal Care from Dr. Le
Diagnosing Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is usually diagnosed by our dentist, Dr. Le during your dental cleaning and regular dental check-up.

If the Dentist will perform a full periodontal examination when the patients shows signs of perio disease. A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.  The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed.  The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Dr. Le will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility to make a diagnosis on the type of periodontal disease and treatment options.

Treating Periodontal Disease
Treatment of Periodontal disease depends on how soon it is diagnosed, this is why we recommend that you see our Fairfax VA, Dentist Dr. Hang Le twice a year for your dental exam.

 

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and not much damage has been done, Dr. Le will recommend one to two regular cleanings to remove the plaque and restore gum health.  You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, Dr. Le will proceed with a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) .  Deep Cleaning is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  During the deep cleaning Dr. Le will remove tartar, plaque, and toxins from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.

Dr. Le will prescribe medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush to help control infection and healing.

Maintenance against Periodontal Disease
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, our Fairfax, Va dentist, Dr. Le recommends that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings) four times a year.

At these cleaning appointments, Dr. Le will carefully check pocket depths to ensure that they are staying healthy.  Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

After Getting Periodontal Therapy

Dr. Le recommends that you practice good oral hygiene and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control.

It is very important that you continue to brush and floss regularly to avoid buildup of plaque which can result in  a reinfection.

Get you better smile Now

You can contact the office of Fairfax, VA Family and Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Hang Le either schedule online, by phone or text to make your dental appointment now.

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