Periodontal Disease Treatments in Washington, D.C.

Numerous kinds of dental concerns, such as gum disease, could potentially influence a person's overall wellness. Sometimes called periodontal disease, gum disease is a progressive dental infection that affects a huge number of individuals each year. A consequence of harmful dental bacteria, gum disease is thought of as a principal source of loose or missing teeth in adults and is often connected to a number of concerning general health problems. These bacteria live within plaque deposits that collect on the teeth and produce toxins, which may begin to degrade the gums, jawbone, and other structures that keep every tooth in the right place.

Gum disease is generally distinguished by three different levels; the first phase of periodontal disease is gingivitis, followed by periodontitis. The last and most serious stage of the disorder is known as advanced periodontitis. Detecting and addressing gum disease early could end the progress and safeguard your overall wellness. For individuals who have symptoms like inflamed or red gum tissue, bleeding while brushing and flossing, or chronic foul breath (sometimes called halitosis), periodontal disease may be affecting their oral health.

Our expert team of dentists at Chang & Rothkopf Dental provides several effective solutions to take care of periodontal disease, no matter the phase. Get in touch with our practice in Washington, D.C., soon to arrange your biannual comprehensive dental evaluation and discover the ways we halt gum disease.

At CK Dental & Associates, gum treatment provides many advantages geared toward enhancing your dental health and overall wellness. Some of the key advantages of gum therapy at our Washington, D.C. office include:

• Repairs and keeps up the health of the gums, decreasing swelling and bleeding
• Prevents tooth loss by strengthening the supplemental infrastructure of the teeth
• Improves the look of the gums and teeth, bringing about a more positive smile
• Decreases foul breath frequently triggered by gum issues
• Diminishes the risk of certain conditions connected to gum disease, such as heart disease and diabetes
• Early treatment can prevent more complex and expensive procedures in the future

Adults who might require treatment for gum disease include those who have even minimal gum tissue puffiness and bleeding, as well as anyone with loose teeth and noticeable wear to the close-by oral structures. In cases where periodontal disease is discovered and managed quickly, people have increased opportunities to minimize the disorder's harmful impact. Numerous adults experience bleeding gums and swelling, which could be assumed to be normal. Nevertheless, bleeding and many other symptoms of gum disease are never commonplace and should be looked at immediately by a member of our team.

We invite men and women to plan a visit to Chang & Rothkopf Dental if they exhibit any probable symptoms of gum disease. These signs might include puffy, red, or sensitive gums, as well as bleeding while brushing or flossing. Long-lasting bad breath or an unpleasant taste in a person's mouth may be a sign too. Patients who have progressing periodontal disease could end up with loose teeth, elevated sensitivity, a reduced gumline, or discharge coming from the gums.

Detecting and addressing the issue as early as possible could be crucial to enhance the health of your smile. To find out whether gum disease is harming your oral wellness, our staff will use a specialized tool to assess the pockets between your gumline and teeth. If these gaps exceed three millimeters deep, it might be a source of concern. Dental x-rays will also enable Dr. Chang to assess the amount of bone securing each tooth and learn if a more-progressed phase of periodontal disease is developing.

At CK Dental & Associates, we use thorough screenings to identify your current stage of periodontal disease and will recommend the best course for treatment. The beginning phase of periodontal disease (gingivitis) is mostly treated through a deep cleaning and consistent at-home oral hygiene. To manage periodontitis, the following phase of gum disease, SRP (occasionally referred to as scaling and root planing) therapy is conducted and could be combined with externally delivered antibiotics. Final-stage cases of periodontal disease might be more efficiently treated through a more intensive approach, including flap surgery and jawbone grafting methods.

What are the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?

Common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath (halitosis), receding gums, loose or shifting teeth, changes in the fit of dentures, and the formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums. In advanced stages, periodontal disease may also be accompanied by pus or discharge from the gums and noticeable changes in the bite or alignment of the teeth.

Can periodontal disease be cured?

While periodontal disease cannot be cured in the traditional sense, it can be effectively managed and controlled with proper treatment and ongoing maintenance. The goal of treatment is to arrest the progression of the disease, reduce inflammation, and prevent further damage to the periodontal tissues. With diligent oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and professional cleanings, individuals with periodontal disease can maintain stable periodontal health and prevent complications such as tooth loss.

How long does periodontal disease treatment take?

The duration of periodontal disease treatment varies depending on factors such as the severity of the disease, the extent of treatment needed, and the individual's response to therapy. Nonsurgical treatments such as scaling and root planing may be completed in one or more visits, while surgical interventions may require multiple appointments spaced over several weeks or months. Your dentist or periodontist can provide a personalized treatment plan and timeline based on your specific needs and goals.

With the help of advanced dental care techniques, Chang & Rothkopf Dental can help people who have gum disease get access to efficient procedures and reclaim the health of their smiles. If you are affected by one or more problems related to gum disease, we recommend that you contact our Washington, D.C. office. Our experienced staff is skilled in a range of options to address any stage of gum disease.