Periodontal Treatment
Your gums are the foundation of your smile. If these supporting tissues become inflamed, irritated or infected, it can pose a real threat to your teeth as well as your overall health. At Springfield Lorton Dental Group, we offer a variety of periodontal treatments to protect your oral health. Our dentists understand what it takes to reverse mild gum disease (gingivitis) as well as treat advanced periodontitis. We also help patients understand their specific risk factors for gum disease and how to detect early warning signs. In some cases, patients may need their gum health to be monitored more closely or on a more frequent basis.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis refers to the advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, the infection within the gums may cause the gums to recede or pull away from the tooth roots. Often, deep pockets of gum tissue form that harbor bacteria and worsen the infection. If left alone, periodontitis may also result in the destruction of underlying bone, which may cause the teeth to lose stability and even fall out. Advanced gum disease that is not properly treated can also impact one’s systemic health and has been linked to diabetes, stroke, heart attack and premature birth. At Springfield Lorton Dental Group, we use the most proven techniques and technology available to treat periodontitis and help you avoid such serious consequences.
Symptoms and Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease begins with the presence of excessive bacteria and plaque along the gum line, often due to poor brushing and flossing. This leads to an infection within the soft tissues that support your teeth. While the early stage of gum disease may present itself as swollen, red or bleeding gums, more advanced stages may result in tooth loss. More conservative and successful treatments can be attained when gum disease is caught early.
Please schedule an appointment in Springfield or Lorton if you notice the following symptoms of gum disease:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Teeth that seem to be loose or moving away from one another
- Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
At Springfield Lorton Dental Group, we offer the following to keep your gums in ideal condition: