Treating Gum Disease in Potomac Falls, VA

Tooth decay is not the only oral health problem caused by the buildup of oral bacteria. As plaque and its hardened form, tartar, collect on the teeth, the gums surrounding the area can become irritated and infected. To protect the health of our patient’s smiles, Lake Center Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides gum treatments in Potomac Falls and Sterling. We help you recover from gum disease in a conservative, non-surgical manner.

Extensive Cleaning for Gingivitis

The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is the irritation of the soft tissue. Plaque and tartar buildup causes the gums to swell and turn red, but the tissue has not begun to recede. In this stage, gum disease can be fully reversed by removing the source of irritation.

Our Potomac Falls dentist can conduct a thorough dental cleaning to stop gingivitis. All plaque and tartar are removed from the smile, eliminating the source of infection. So long as an effective oral hygiene routine is observed at home, the gums will be given a chance to naturally heal. This gum treatment also helps prevent tooth decay, so all aspects of your oral health are improved by undergoing this cleaning.

Scaling and Planing for Periodontitis

Unfortunately, not every patient is able to visit the dentist in time for a cleaning to help them. Tartar development that has been allowed to continue for too long will eventually start creating a space, or pocket, between the gums and the teeth. Tartar can then grow into this pocket, which will cause the gums to recede.

This stage of gum disease is periodontitis. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss and an increased risk for systemic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

However, there is an effective gum treatment that can halt the progression of periodontitis. This procedure is known as teeth scaling and root planing. The scaling portion of the procedure is the act of removing all plaque and tartar from below the gum line, sterilizing the entire tooth. Afterward, planing smooths the surface of the tooth root to minimize future bacterial buildup and to encourage the closing of the periodontal pocket.

Scaling and planing is able to stop the continued development of periodontitis, but it does not reverse any recession caused by the disease. If you require any surgical care to restore your gum volume, our practice will help you find a trusted periodontist or oral surgeon who can help you.

Contact Us for Gum Disease Treatments

Lake Center Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers gum treatments to Sterling and beyond. We do everything we can to protect the health of your smile, including the soft tissue that supports your teeth. For more information about our comprehensive dental services, call our practice and schedule your next appointment today!