Periodontics in Vienna, VA, focuses on the health of your gums, the bone surrounding your teeth and the structures that help keep your smile stable. When gum disease develops, early treatment can help control inflammation, protect supporting tissues and reduce the risk of the condition becoming more advanced.
At Anil Dwivedi, DMD, PC, our dentist and team provide periodontal care based on the condition of your gums, the amount of supporting bone present and the severity of any existing disease. Treatment may range from nonsurgical therapy to more advanced procedures when additional care is needed.
Dr. Anil Dwivedi has completed more than 300 hours of continuing education in periodontics and periodontal therapy and has treated more than 2,500 periodontal therapy and gum disease cases during his career.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting structures around your teeth. It often begins when plaque collects along the gumline and is not completely removed through daily brushing, flossing and professional care.
The earliest stage is gingivitis, which may cause redness, swelling or bleeding. At this stage, the inflammation is limited to the gums. If the condition progresses to periodontitis, the gums can begin to separate from the teeth and form periodontal pockets where bacteria can accumulate. Over time, this process can damage the bone and tissues that support your teeth.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Care
Gum disease does not always cause significant discomfort in its early stages, so it is important to pay attention to changes in your gums and bite. Our dentist may recommend a periodontal evaluation if you notice:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
- Teeth that look longer because of gum recession
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Discomfort when chewing
These symptoms do not always mean you have advanced periodontal disease, but they are worth evaluating so the cause can be identified.
Our Periodontal Services
Periodontal treatment is selected according to the type and severity of the condition present. Some patients need nonsurgical therapy to control infection below the gumline, while others may require procedures designed to rebuild, reshape or protect gum tissue. Our dentist will explain what is happening around your teeth and recommend treatment based on your individual findings.
Scaling and Root Planing
When plaque and tartar extend below the gumline, a routine cleaning may not be enough to address the affected areas. Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment used to remove bacterial deposits from below the gums and smooth the root surfaces.
This treatment can help reduce inflammation and create an environment that allows the gums to heal more effectively around the teeth.
Your response to therapy will be evaluated afterward so our dentist can determine whether additional periodontal treatment is needed.
Gum Recession and Periodontal Procedures
Gum recession can expose portions of the tooth roots and may affect appearance, sensitivity or long-term tooth support. Depending on the cause and extent of the recession, treatment may include procedures designed to restore or reinforce gum tissue. Gum grafting may be considered when additional tissue is needed to cover exposed roots or strengthen areas where the gums have become thin.
Other periodontal procedures may be recommended when deeper pockets, tissue defects or other structural concerns are present.
Maintaining Gum Health After Treatment
Periodontal treatment is only one part of controlling gum disease. Ongoing maintenance is important because patients who have experienced periodontitis may remain at greater risk for future disease activity. Our dentist may recommend more frequent periodontal maintenance appointments based on the condition of your gums and your response to treatment.
At home, consistent brushing and cleaning between your teeth are essential. Our dentist and team can also show you areas that need additional attention and suggest techniques or tools that may make daily cleaning more effective.
Why Gum Health Matters
Your gums and supporting bone are essential to keeping your teeth stable. When periodontal disease damages these structures, teeth may eventually become loose or difficult to maintain. Controlling gum inflammation can help protect the foundation of your smile and reduce the risk of tooth loss related to periodontal disease.
Research has also identified associations between periodontal disease and several systemic health conditions. These associations do not mean gum disease directly causes those conditions, but they reinforce the importance of maintaining good oral health as part of your overall healthcare.
Benefits of Periodontal Treatment
Appropriate periodontal care can help:
- Control bacterial infection and inflammation around the gums
- Slow or stop the progression of periodontal disease
- Reduce bleeding, swelling and other symptoms
- Protect the bone and tissues supporting your teeth
- Address areas of gum recession when appropriate
- Improve your ability to maintain cleaner teeth and gums
- Support the long-term retention of your natural teeth
Periodontics Tailored to Your Needs
Periodontal disease does not affect every patient in the same way. The depth of periodontal pockets, amount of bone support, areas of recession, medical history and home-care habits can all influence the treatment plan. Our dentist will evaluate these factors rather than relying on a single treatment approach for every patient.
If periodontal therapy is needed, you will receive an explanation of the condition, the recommended procedure and the steps you can take afterward to help maintain the results.
Schedule a Periodontal Consultation
If you have bleeding gums, recession, persistent bad breath or other concerns about your gum health, an evaluation can help determine whether periodontal treatment is needed. Our dentist and team provide care ranging from nonsurgical gum disease treatment to more advanced periodontal procedures based on your individual needs.
Contact our office at 703-734-1080 to schedule a consultation and learn more about periodontics in Vienna, VA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and affects the gum tissue without causing the bone loss associated with periodontitis. Periodontitis is more advanced and can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
Bleeding can be a sign of gum inflammation, although other factors may also contribute. If bleeding happens regularly, our dentist can evaluate your gums and determine whether periodontal treatment or changes to your home-care routine are needed.
Can periodontal disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced periodontal disease can damage the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place. As that support is lost, teeth may become loose and can eventually be lost if the disease is not controlled.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical treatment used to clean plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces. It is commonly recommended when gum disease extends beyond what can be managed with a routine dental cleaning.
Can receding gums be treated?
Yes, depending on the cause and severity of the recession. Treatment may involve changes to oral hygiene, management of contributing factors or periodontal procedures designed to protect exposed roots and restore gum tissue.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
The appropriate interval depends on the severity of your previous gum disease, your response to treatment and your ongoing risk factors. Our dentist will recommend a maintenance schedule based on your individual needs.
Is periodontal treatment uncomfortable?
Comfort measures are used based on the procedure being performed. Nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatments differ in what they involve, and our dentist will explain what to expect and provide instructions for managing any discomfort afterward.
How do I schedule a periodontal consultation?
Call 703-734-1080 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and have your gum health evaluated.
