Gum Disease and Recession
Arlington VA

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Gum Disease and Recession

Gum disease is identified by three progressive stages. The first level of periodontal disease is called gingivitis, followed by a second level called periodontitis. The third, final, and most serious stage of the disease is advanced periodontitis. Diagnosing and treating periodontal disease promptly will stymie and abate the progress.

Periodontal therapy refers to a range of surgical and non-surgical techniques available at Cherrydale Family Dental that are designed to address gum disease and gum recession, which will result as an infection or inflammation of the gums and can result in gum recession and even jawbone deterioration.

The entire staff at Cherrydale Family Dental is proud of our efforts in working with all family members, from infant to teenager to parents to grandparents. Patience is indeed a virtue in our quickly paced lives today. We enjoy watching each patient continue to return for regular preventative exams with a healthy smile. If you have any questions at all regarding possible gum disease and recession, simply call Cherrydale Family Dental at 703-243-8288. You can find us at 4399 Old Dominion Drive, Arlington, VA, 22312.

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Types of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive infection that can gradually increase in severity. If you develop periodontal disease do so in the following order:

  • Gingivitis: The earliest stage of periodontitis, gingivitis typically develops due to bacterial plaque that builds up on your teeth that comes into contact with your gums. The signs of gingivitis are usually sensitive gums that are red, puffy, and bleed easily. Gingivitis can be stopped and reversed with a proper cleaning and improved oral health care at home. If it is not addressed quickly, it can escalate into a more severe form of periodontitis.
  • Early Periodontitis: Early periodontitis is caused by the continued build-up of harmful bacterial plaque and now the next stage when gingivitis is left untreated. Early periodontitis is typically indicated by symptoms that are like gingivitis, just more severe. Your gums will feel painful and more sensitive, and the brushing and flossing now of your teeth can result in excessive bleeding. Unlike gingivitis, which can generally be addressed through a deep cleaning and improved self-care practices, early periodontitis will likely require more intensive interventions, such as deep scaling, root planing and even a laser gum treatment.
  • Advanced Periodontitis: When bacteria, plaque, and toxins have developed to the point that gum tissue is being destroyed, you have developed advanced periodontitis. If you have progressed to this point then you have developed small pockets between your teeth and gums, which act as convenient breeding grounds for additional bacteria to grow. With these additional bacteria, these pockets continue to expand causing the gums to recede. If left untreated long enough, this recession will result in bone loss.

Periodontal Therapy Options to Treat Gum Disease and Gum Recession

There are a number of surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy options available that can successfully reverse the impact of gum disease and reduce the likelihood of tooth loss, prevent the need for any tooth extractions, or even reduce the need for any dental bone grafts.

Common periodontal therapy procedures include the following:

  • Scaling and Root Planing: This is a procedure which involves a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar that have developed on the teeth below the gum line. Scaling is the removal of plaque and calculus from the surface of your teeth, where root planing refers to the smoothing of the roots surfaces to prevent additional bacteria from forming and therefore speeding up the healing process.
  • Periodontal Laser Treatment: This process removes gum tissue that has become diseased by using a laser. You may wish to consider this option because unlike traditional treatments, periodontal laser treatment causes less gum shrinkage and less discomfort.
  • Periodontal Plastic Surgery: A reshaping procedure that is performed to improve the aesthetic appearance of your gum tissue.
  • Dental Implants: The dental implant process begins with the extraction of a decayed or damaged tooth that may be the result of advanced gum disease. This is followed by an x-ray to determine if there is sufficient jawbone to properly hold a dental implant. If it is determined that you are a viable candidate, a small titanium post will be placed into your jawbone. After this has fused to the bone, the replacement tooth or bridge will be placed on this post as a replacement restoration.

Proper Daily Oral Hygiene Can Prevent Gum Recession and Gum Recession

Gum disease can usually be avoided provided you practice good oral hygiene habits. Though certainly not a guarantee, if you adhere to the following best practices, you can either avoid or reduce your need for periodontal therapy:

  • Brush twice daily (minimum) and practice proper brushing technique. In addition to brushing two minutes each time regularly, it is also important to brush effectively. Our staff at Cherrydale Family Dental will answer any questions you may have about proper brushing techniques. This simple task removes plaque every single day preventing the damaging buildups.
  • Floss daily. If you are someone who tends to avoid flossing, you may want to consider flossing alternatives, such as interdental brushes or floss picks. This effort removes plaque from those hard to reach areas between your teeth.
  • Be mindful of your diet. Another way you can prevent dental problems from developing is to avoid foods that are sugary or high in starch. If you enjoy soda or sugary beverages, try to use a straw to limit the exposure of the sugar to your teeth. It is also beneficial to swish your mouth with water following meals to dislodge food remnants.
  • Schedule regular dental exams. Unchecked dental problems can result in additional issues and the progression of decay, which is why it is strongly suggested to visit us for preventative exams every six months. With us providing a deep cleaning of your teeth and diagnosing any potential issues before they progress, these regular checkups are critical to maintaining your oral health.
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Quality Dental Care for ALL Family Members

At Cherrydale Family Dental, 4399 Old Dominion Dr., Arlington, VA, we work 24/7 to earn your trust. We see more than just your teeth or gums and pretty smile when you enter our office. We see a patient that can become a friend. We want to contribute in every way possible to helping you maintain good oral health to the best of your ability. We always look forward to discussing what is best for you and your smile. Please contact us at 703-243-8288 to discuss the benefits for you when it comes to evaluating any potential gum disease and gum recession and how we can abate it and improve your quality of life.

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Modern dentistry techniques, affordable prices and financial options make it easier than ever for you to have a bright and healthy smile. We are currently accepting new patients and we would love to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

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