If you have signs you need to get periodontics treatment in Woodbridge, VA  a visit to Mapledale Family Dentistry can get you on the road to healthier gums quickly. See how the team can help you determine when to see a periodontist.

Your gums are red or swollen

Red and swollen gums are a sign of early gum disease. This is gingivitis. At this early stage, a professional dental cleaning can make a major difference. You should also make sure you are practicing good oral care at home with daily flossing and twice-daily brushing with a soft brush. 

Your gums bleed

If you are brushing vigorously, this can hurt your gums, so brush twice daily for two minutes but gently. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash, but you can also use hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to floss as well or use another method to clean between your teeth. 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more serious stage of periodontal disease. The symptoms are more serious and the treatment is more serious. 

• Pain when you chew
• Sensitive teeth
• Bad breath that won't go away
• Gums pulling away from your teeth
• You have loose teeth

If you have any of these symptoms, you need periodontics in Woodbridge, VA. Once your gums have advanced to this stage, you will need to have more aggressive treatment. Those treatments include scaling and root planing, gum graft, crown lengthening surgery, or dental implants. 

Scaling and root planing

Scaling is often called deep cleaning and it gets down underneath the gums to remove the plaque and tartar. It can be done with hand implements or with ultrasonic instruments. Root planing smooths out the root of your tooth to help the gums reattach to the tooth. 

Gum Graft

In this process, healthy gum tissue from your mouth is used to replace unhealthy tissue. Gum tissue that has been processed in a lab may also be used. These have had all the DNA material removed to avoid any possibility of rejection. 

Crown Lengthening Surgery

This is a surgical procedure that exposes more of the tooth from below the gum and bone line to give a better area for a dental crown to connect with.

Dental Implants

If periodontal disease has led to the loss of a tooth or teeth, dental implants are a permanent solution to replacing the missing teeth. They look natural and provide the stability of a real tooth when it comes to eating. It is better not to lose teeth because of gum disease, but dental implants make it easier to go forward.

Mapledale Family Dentistry offers periodontics in Woodbridge, VA. If you have signs you need to see a periodontist, call the office for an appointment at 703-580-9900.