Gum Disease
Understanding Gingivitis and Advanced Periodontitis
Bacterial growth in your mouth can cause gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Gum disease starts as gingivitis, then progresses to advanced periodontitis. Gum disease is typically preventable with routine checkups with a dentist and a good at-home oral care routine.
Gingivitis can usually be reversed with proper brushing and flossing, but advanced periodontitis will require treatment from a periodontist like Dr. Daniel Han.
Contact Our Dental Office
To Schedule a Screening for Gingivitis
Dr. Daniel Han from Smile Designer of Leesburg is a board-certified periodontist who is trained to recognize and treat gingivitis and gum disease. Having a periodontist check your oral health means you will be examined by a specialist who is trained to recognize the symptoms of periodontitis and administer gum disease treatment.
Request an appointment online at our Leesburg, VA, dental office today or call:
(703) 777-1162
Dusty Sparrow Reed
Leesburg, VA
2023
Happy to have found this gem in downtown Leesburg. My favorite aspect of this practice is that I have never left with sore gums after a cleaning, they are gentile, but effective. i also love that they are professional, flexible and super friendly. Highly recommend
View on GoogleDonna Schafer
Leesburg, VA
2023
They always do such a great job here, they are the best!
View on GoogleRisk Factors For Periodontal Disease
Even people who maintain good oral hygiene habits and visit the dentist's office regularly may be at risk for developing gum disease. Our dentists can examine your mouth and review your oral history to determine if you're at risk for periodontal disease. Risk factors that can cause gum disease include:
- Smoking and using tobacco products
- Poor nutrition
- Obesity
- A family history of gum disease
- Using certain medications
- Chronic medical conditions like diabetes and Crohn's disease
- Hormonal changes, especially ones associated with pregnancy or menopause
The Benefits of Treating Gum Disease At Our Dental Office in Leesburg
Find Relief From Pain
Periodontitis can be a source of pain. Gum disease treatment can alleviate this pain while addressing other uncomfortable symptoms like bleeding gums and swelling.
Protect Your Oral Health
Receiving treatment for periodontal disease early can prevent serious oral health issues like gum recession and tooth loss, concerns that can require relatively complex solutions like dental implants to fix.
Improve Your Overall Health
Untreated periodontal disease can increase your risk of serious health issues like heart disease and stroke.
What Happens if You Don't Treat Gum Disease?
A periodontal abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the gum tissue. It requires treatment from a dentist.
As gum disease progresses, the gum and bone tissues break down, causing your teeth to become loose and even fall out.
Bacteria in your gums can travel through your body and cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Treating Gum Disease With Scaling and Root Planing
The dentists at our Leesburg practice can use scaling and root planing to reverse your gum disease.
Scaling
This treatment requires the use of dental tools to remove tartar from above and below the gumline.
Root Planing
Root planing smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots to allow for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Combined with antibiotics, scaling and root planing is often enough to correct periodontal disease.
Don't Wait and Risk Your Oral Health Request a Consultation Today
Even a mild case of gum disease can lead to more extensive oral health concerns. If you have any symptoms of periodontal issues like bad breath or bleeding gums, the sooner you address those issues, the better. Protect your oral and overall health by requesting a consultation with our periodontist today. Use our online form or call our dental practice in Leesburg, VA, today.
(703) 777-1162
Real Reviews From Real Patients
Dion Jergo
Leesburg, VA
2023
Dr Ju hooked me up great today. I had food stuck in my rear tooth for weeks, that hurt so bad, and got on my nerves. She got in there and worked her magic! I'm doing great, and eating comfortably now. Thank you Smile Designer
View on GoogleMegan Findlay Bailey
Leesburg, VA
2023
This is the best dental practice ever. All of the staff and the doctors are caring in addition to being extremely competent. From regular cleanings to more complicated procedures, they can be counted on for superior work with a kind and professional approach. I also had a dental emergency at one point; the team was very supportive and went out of their way to take care of me as soon as possible. Many thanks to Dr. Han, Dr. Ju, and Kim for the great work!
View on GoogleLANAP: An Advanced Alternative To Conventional Surgery
If you have moderate to advanced gum disease, you may be a candidate for LANAP®, a laser treatment that can disinfect periodontal pockets, remove infected tissue without targeting healthy tissue, and regrow gum and bone tissue that was destroyed by gum disease.
LANAP is an FDA-cleared treatment that is usually completed in two sessions, lasting about two hours each. Sessions are about a week apart, but most patients can resume their normal activities quickly.
If you're interested in LANAP treatment, our dentists can determine if you're a good candidate for treatment. We will review your oral health and medical history to see if this procedure is right for you.
Concerned About Cost? We Accept Insurance & Financing
We want our friends and neighbors in Leesburg and the surrounding communities to experience optimal oral health. We accept most PPO insurance plans to reduce or even eliminate the cost of your periodontal treatment. We also accept CareCredit® financing for those without insurance or to help with costs not covered by insurance. This allows patients to break the cost of their treatment into flexible monthly payments.
Maintaining Good Oral Health After Gum Disease Treatment
Even after treating your periodontal disease, you can develop the condition again. Our dentists serving patients throughout Leesburg recommend that you abide by a good oral health routine at home. This routine includes:
Brush Thoroughly
You should brush your teeth twice a day to minimize the bacteria present on your teeth and gums.
Floss Daily
Patients should floss at least once a day. Dental floss removes food debris and plaque between the teeth, minimizing your risk of developing gingivitis.
Attend Dental Checkups
A professional cleaning every six months at our Leesburg or Arlington, VA, offices can contribute to your periodontal health and help ensure that you don't develop gum disease again.Consider Full Mouth Reconstruction To Repair Your Mouth After Advanced Gum Disease
Advanced periodontal disease can lead to significant tooth loss and gum recession. Losing a tooth also causes jawbone atrophy, which can cause other teeth to shift out of place.
If you have loose teeth or missing teeth, our dentists in Arlington and Leesburg, VA, can combine cosmetic and restorative treatments to rejuvenate your smile and your oral health. Our dentists can discuss your options and plan your treatment once your periodontitis has been addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease
Q. Does gum disease treatment hurt?
A. No. Your periodontist will numb the area before treatment begins to ensure you are completely comfortable. If you're still concerned and feel anxious, we can help you relax with the aid of dental sedation. You may experience some mild discomfort following your treatment, but it is usually easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Q. I don't have any pain. Is it really necessary to treat my gum disease?
A. Yes. Even mild periodontal disease can become worse if left untreated. The sooner it is addressed, the better it is for your oral and overall health.
Q. Can gum disease be prevented?
A. There are steps you can take to minimize your risk of developing gum disease. These steps include maintaining proper oral hygiene, quitting tobacco products if you use them, and maintaining regular dental exams and cleanings.
Q. Can gum disease impact pregnancy?
A. As many as 75% of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, due to hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy. When left untreated, the more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis can lead to pregnancy complications such as low birth weight and preterm birth. Treating gum disease is especially important for the health of the mother and baby.
Q. Can gum disease affect children?
A. Yes. Gum disease can impact a person of any age. If you notice your child has developed issues such as swollen and bleeding gums or bad breath, speak to your dentist or periodontist.
More 5-Star Reviews From Our Leesburg Area Patients
Chezia Calloway
Leesburg, VA
2023
My dental experience is always wonderful at Smile Designer of Leesburg. Dr. Han and the team are friendly, knowledgeable, and caring. They take extra time and effort making sure you have a great visit.
View on GoogleJohn Lynch
Leesburg, VA
2023
Smile Designer of Leesburg is very Professional Operation, efficient and polite.
View on Google
