General & Preventative Dentistry
Gum Disease
Best Gum Disease Treatment Dentist Near You
Gum disease occurs at any time and at any age during our lifetime. Gum disease, or gingivitis, is when our gums become inflamed due to an infection caused by excess oral bacteria present. Gum disease is treatable and manageable; it can be reversed with preventive care from a dental professional like Dr. Colospate. Following your in-office dental care, brushing and flossing at home is necessary to dissuade the infection from quickly returning.
Gum disease varies from mild to severe. Initial signs and symptoms include gum tissue sensitivity with flossing and/or during your dental cleaning in McLean VA. As the infection progresses, increased inflammation and swelling occurs, with bleeding and possible halitosis (bad breath). As the infection continues, the gum tissue continues to swell and pull away from the teeth. With time and without intervention from Dr. Colospate, the infection will continue to migrate further into the gum and reach your bone.
At this time, the disease evolves from reversible gum disease to irreversible periodontal disease and requires increased dental care and possible surgery. The deeper the bacteria travels down the root of the tooth, the stronger and more complex the type of bacteria that it is, and subsequently the more resistant the bacteria is to treatment. Without early intervention and the treatment of gum disease, bone and ultimately teeth can be lost to the infection.
Factors in Periodontal Disease Advancement From Gum Disease:
- Untreated gum disease
- Malocclusion (needing braces)
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
- Genetics
- Compromised systemic health
With diligent homecare and working with Dr. Colospate, the progression of your periodontal disease can be stopped, health of the bone and teeth can be managed, and the gums restored to their optimum health.
GUM DISEASE TREATMENT
Gum disease is treated and can be reversed by seeking care from your dental professional. Dr. Colospate and your hygienist will assess the level of infection and determine the best course of treatment to reverse the advancement of the disease. This will be achieved through a dental cleaning or series of dental cleanings. Oral and/or locally placed antibiotics (such as Arestin Dental) may be utilized and prescribed depending upon how advanced the gum disease is. Continued care will be achieved through daily brushing and flossing and subsequent dental cleanings at a three-, four-, or six-month intervals depending upon the severity of gum disease symptoms presented.
Periodontal disease can be mild to severe, with severe periodontal disease requiring surgical intervention, with possible bone and gum grafting needed to restore oral health.
ENSURING YOUR GUM HEALTH
Dr. Colospate and our team here at McLean Healthy Smiles will work with you to meet your specific oral needs and goals. Both Dr. Colospate and the hygienist are highly experienced in successfully treating mild to severe cases of gum and periodontal disease, saving teeth and the need for potentially uncomfortable surgical intervention. Scientific and pharmaceutical advancements in periodontal disease are continually evolving, and our office seeks to utilize the most conservative and progressive modalities of care to achieve oral health.
Oral health and general health are interrelated. Dr. Colospate and your hygienist understand you’re your medical history and other factors such as sleep apnea, malocclusion, occlusal disease, and dietary habits contribute to the health of gum tissue. Dr. Colospate’s office will work with you to discuss oral habits, oral hygiene, and recommendations, and educate you how to care for your teeth at home to prevent periodontal disease.
Click here for our Aftercare Instructions for Arestin Periodontal Treatment from McLean Healthy Smiles