Protect Your Oral Health with Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment in Gainesville

Up to 80% of the Americans unknowingly have some form of gum disease. Gum disease is characterized by a persistent bacterial infection surrounding one or more teeth. Gum disease causes very little discomfort and produces very few obvious symptoms in its early stages. When gum disease is left treated, it will spread and compromise the health of your gums, teeth, bone. Recent research shows a link between advanced gum disease and heart disease and strokes, as well as diabetes and pregnancy complications. At least 70% of adult tooth loss is attributed to gum disease. Although early symptoms may be painless and mild, if you experience warning signs like swollen gums or bleeding while brushing, you should make an immediate appointment for gum disease treatment with Dr. Bassiri today. Dr. Bassiri can easily detect, treat, and reverse gum disease in early stages before major problems arise.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Several factors contribute to gum (periodontal) disease, including: plaque buildup, heredity, and lifestyle choices. By far, the most common and controllable factor is bacterial plaque, the sticky, colorless film produced by normal oral bacteria. Bacteria release toxins that break down the natural fibers that bond gums to teeth. When this occurs, pockets between the gums and teeth form, and more bacteria and toxins hide, flourish, and destroy your healthy tissue. Over time, this process can affect not only gums, teeth, and bone within the mouth, but also overall health. Bacteria in your mouth will be inadvertently ingested, and this can compromise other parts of the body.

What Are Your Gum Disease Treatment Options?

Early on, when redness, swelling, and bleeding are the only symptoms, we can treat and reverse gum disease non-surgically. Regular dental checkups greatly increase your potential for early detection and conservative treatment. Generally, treatment will include careful, individualized instruction regarding the most effective means of brushing and flossing at home. This strategy is sometimes accompanied by professional scaling or the careful scraping of all affected tooth surfaces, gum pocket irrigation, and even local antibiotic placement in areas of significant irritation. Often, patients experience immediate improvement. If, however, symptoms don't improve significantly, you may require surgical treatment. If gum disease progresses without intervention, a patient may need surgery to remediate the disease and restore the mouth to good oral health. Typically, periodontists may perform four surgical treatments: pocket depth reduction, bone or tissue regeneration, crown lengthening, and/or soft tissue grafts. All of these procedures may improve your chances of keeping your teeth for life. Depending on your level of gum disease, we may first recommend:

• Scaling to remove hardened plaque from below the gum line
• Root planing to reduce rough teeth roots and deter plaque accumulation
• Antibiotic therapy to kill bacteria
• Laser gum therapy

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

Regular dental visits at least every six months allow us to keep a watchful eye on the health of your gums. You should also brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use good mouth rinses at home. We will recommend the products that will optimize your oral homecare, and we can also show you the best methods for brushing and flossing. If you have overcome gum disease, we will recommend frequent checkups to ensure your mouth stays healthy for a lifetime.

Gum Disease: Are You At Risk?

Any of the following conditions greatly exacerbate the risk of gum disease: tobacco use, hormone fluctuations, stress, some medications, bruxism, diabetes, poor nutrition, HIV, and any disease resulting in immune-suppression, heredity, and poor oral hygiene. Even patients who practice good oral homecare routines can get gum disease.

Gum Disease Therapy Appointments

Untreated gum disease can become expensive to correct once it advances into periodontitis. Dr. Bassiri and our hygiene team treat gum disease efficiently and comprehensively. It’s important to seek treatment as early as possible to prevent difficult situations down the road. If you need an experienced and compassionate general dentist who specializes in gum disease treatment, contact Dr. Bassiri to schedule your gum disease treatment appointment today. Our conveniently located dental offices proudly serve patients from daily throughout the Fairfax McLean area in Northern Virginia, the greater Washington DC Metro area, and the neighboring communities.