Gum Disease Treatment in Sterling

Gum disease is an oral health issue that can threaten your smile and cause long-term dental complications. While the symptoms of gum disease are often subtle, if caught and treated quickly, you can avoid severe consequences and protect your smile. At Sterling Dental Town, we offer experience gum disease treatment to help you halt its progression and preserve your oral health. Our dentists combine experienced care with a compassionate chairside manner to offer the quality treatment you deserve.

Whether you need professional teeth cleaning or periodontal scaling and root planing, we have you covered. You can count on us to deliver comprehensive and timely treatment so that you can enjoy a healthy smile for years to come. If you've noticed signs of gum disease, schedule your visit to our office and get the gum care you need today!

CALL US: (703) 444-5222 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums. The bacteria is often caused by poor oral hygiene that leads to dental plaque and tartar. As bacteria accumulates above the gum line, they irritate the tissue and cause inflammation. Soon, the bacteria infiltrate the entire gum tissue, creating pockets beneath the gum line and causing the gums to recede. This can eventually lead to tooth and bone loss if left untreated.

Besides poor oral hygiene, several other aspects can contribute to the progression of gum disease. These include side effects from specific medications, genetics, and stress. Other factors that may cause or worsen gum disease include sugary or acidic foods, heavy alcohol use, and tobacco use. Knowing these risk factors can help you prevent gum disease or control the condition before it worsens.

Do I Have Gum Disease?

To control gum disease, early intervention is key, so you want to look out for the early signs. Often, the symptoms may be unnoticeable or minor and could take months before the condition finally shows up and worsens. Common symptoms of gum disease include:

• Tender or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums, especially when flossing or brushing teeth
• Pain while chewing food
• Teeth sensitivity to cold and hot food and drinks
• Excessively red or dark gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath and taste in the mouth

Gum Disease Progression

Gum disease has three different developmental stages. The first stage of the disease is called gingivitis, often characterized by reddening, swelling, and bleeding of the gum tissues. Treatment at this stage involves removing plaque buildup, treating inflamed gums, and getting rid of bacteria deposits.

The second phase of gum disease is periodontitis, and it is here that the gum tissues start to pull away from the tooth roots, creating small pockets. These pockets collect food debris and plaque, leading to gum irritation and bacterial infection. With time, the gums recede, causing tooth loss and bone deterioration.

The third and final stage is advanced periodontitis, where treatment becomes complex and limited. At this stage, the bone and gum tissue supporting the teeth are damaged, causing the teeth to loosen and shift. Advanced periodontitis can significantly affect your teeth function, bite, and overall facial appearance if left untreated.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Gum disease treatment will vary depending on the level of damage. The best treatment plan should address the causes of the disease and help rebuild your oral health, functionality, and overall facial appearance.

In the earliest stage, gum disease treatment begins with professional teeth cleaning to remove food debris and plaque buildup above the gum line. This will also help our dentist examine the gums more closely to understand the level of damage. The other gum disease treatment options include periodontal scaling and root planing.

Our Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment in Sterling

No matter the reason for your gum issues, our team offers customized gum disease treatment options to restore your dental health and protect your smile. During your first clinic visit, we will conduct a thorough dental examination to evaluate the state of your gum tissues and flag any other oral health issues.

If plaque and tartar buildup is below the gum line, our dentist may recommend periodontal scaling and root planing. Scaling removes tartar buildup above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the root enamel. This prevents bacteria from regaining its hold while also allowing the gums to reattach to the tooth.

We may also offer ARESTIN treatment to effectively fight bacteria and resolve gum tissue inflammation. Similarly, we can apply fluoride varnishes to your teeth to prevent tooth decay and keep bacterial infections at bay. We can schedule regular maintenance cleanings as needed until we can ascertain that your oral health is in good shape. We'll refer you to a periodontist in case of complex or severe infection that may need advanced treatment.

Reliable Gum Disease Treatment in Sterling

Unfortunately, gum disease won't disappear on its own. You must proactively seek the proper treatment and adhere to basic oral hygiene. At Sterling Dental Town, our team of dental professionals is ready to help restore your functional and oral health. If you're looking for personalized and comprehensive teeth cleaning in Sterling, you can trust our team to provide the care you need. Schedule a quick consultation or call us today to speak directly with our dentist.

CALL US: (703) 444-5222 REQUEST APPOINTMENT