Periodontal Treatment in Gainesville, VA

Periodontal (gum) disease is a common yet progressive condition that is caused by certain types of bacteria living within the plaque that accumulates around your teeth and gums. Plaque and bacteria blend with food particles from the saliva to form a sticky coating known as biofilm. Though some patients may practice good hygiene at home, daily brushing and flossing may not be enough to disrupt this biofilm layer and protect your teeth and gums. Over time, plaque may harden into tartar, which can only be removed with our special instruments. Tartar and plaque provide a home in which bacteria thrive and produce a toxin that causes the body to destroy your gum and bone tissues, which is the process of gum disease.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding or swollen gums and bad breath, it is important to visit a periodontal specialist. Periodontal disease progresses without proper care and can lead to bone loss in the jaw, gum recession, and ultimately the loss of natural teeth. Contact Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics in Gainesville, VA today and schedule a periodontal treatment consultation with our team.

You may require treatment for gum disease if you have symptoms that include:

• Bleeding or red gums

• Gum swelling or tenderness

• Bad breath that does not go away

• Pus accumulation around teeth

• A receding gumline

• Teeth that shift or feel loose

• Bone loss in the jaw

Gum disease is diagnosed in stages, which include gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. The severity of your periodontal condition determines the type of treatment needed to restore your gum health. However, any signs or symptoms of gum disease should be evaluated as soon as possible. In many cases of gum disease, pain is not a symptom until the advanced stage. Please understand that bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth is not a normal occurrence, and should be evaluated as a sign of a periodontal condition. If you believe that gum disease is keeping you from a healthy, smile, we urge you to schedule an appointment at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics for an evaluation.

Our periodontist is highly skilled at performing all phases of periodontal disease treatment and will recommend the option best-suited to treat the stage of gum disease present in your mouth. To screen your gum health and determine the severity condition, our team uses advanced digital x-rays to evaluate your bone levels and periodontal pocket depths. We use a probe to gently measure the depth of spaces between your teeth and gums, where bacteria hide and cause damage. Our periodontal specialist considers the amount of bone loss evident on your x-rays and depth of your periodontal pocket readings to create your personalized periodontal treatment plan. We may begin your treatment with a non-surgical approach, including scaling and root planing therapy and localized antibiotics. Surgical procedures may be recommended for advanced cases of periodontitis.

A key component to reestablishing periodontal health is maintaining excellent home care with thorough brushing and flossing each day. During your visit, our team will demonstrate proper technique and make suggestions on how to best control your gum condition on a daily basis. We may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, to reduce your risk of further gum problems.

Recovery time following periodontal disease treatment varies depending on whether a surgical or non-surgical approach is used. Our periodontist may put you on a periodontal maintenance program to manage your gum health once your periodontal treatment is complete. These visits take place in our office every 3 – 4 months and include in-depth cleanings, exams, and monitoring of your periodontal health. Your periodontal maintenance visits will replace bi-annual regular cleaning procedures, as a general cleaning is not sufficient enough to maintain your gum health once you have gum disease.

Insurance benefits for periodontal disease treatment may vary among provider and specific plans. Before your treatment begins, we will contact your insurance company and determine your coverage amounts to help you maximize your periodontal benefits. For patients without dental insurance or who incur out-of-pocket costs, Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics is happy to accept most PPO plans and offer flexible payment options, including low-interest patient financing plans through CareCredit®. Our team wants you to have access to affordable care and willing to work with you to find solutions that fit within your budget.

Even though the effects of periodontal disease can be minimized the most with early detection, our skilled periodontist is pleased to offer care for all phases of gum disease. Leaving periodontal disease untreated, however, only increases the danger to your oral health, general wellness, and the appearance of your smile. If you have signs or symptoms of gum disease, contact our caring team at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics in Gainesville, VA today to schedule your consultation visit.