Periodontics, Fairfax VA

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Periodontics Fairfax VA

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is the top cause of tooth loss among Americans. Fortunately, gum disease can be prevented with regular brushing and flossing. If you do have gum disease, treating it with periodontic treatments is important for maintaining good oral health. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Likewise, if you suffer from gum disease or other oral health issues, don't ignore it any longer. Get prompt periodontal disease treatment in Fairfax so you can save your teeth. The team at Breeze Dental can help. Call our office at (703) 844-2991 to learn more.

Frenectomy

There is a frenulum that attaches your upper lip to the gums, as well as another that connects the lower lip to the gums. These pieces of tissue keep your lips and gums in place. If the frenulum is too short or thick, it will cause issues with speech and tooth misalignment. In some cases, periodontics in Fairfax can fix the problem. A frenectomy is a surgical procedure performed with either a scalpel or a laser. The procedure is very quick, taking just 15 minutes. It is done under anesthesia, so there is minimal discomfort. Frenectomies are often very successful.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gums. It starts out as plaque, and if not removed promptly, it hardens to form tartar. Tartar harbors bacteria that attack the gums. This causes gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Left untreated, it then turns into periodontitis, which destroys the gum tissue surrounding your teeth as well as the bone that holds your teeth in place. The periodontic disease advances silently, often without pain. There are very few warning signs except for bleeding gums and bad breath. Tooth loss occurs quickly without treatment.

Occlusal Adjustment

Do you wake up in the morning with sore jaws? Do you feel like your jaw is lopsided when you bite? If so, you may need an occlusal adjustment. An occlusal adjustment corrects bite misalignment issues. It can help those with loose or shifting teeth and those who grind or clench them. Once your bite is adjusted, this will eliminate excess pressure on your teeth. Occlusal adjustment uses a dental drill and a fine filing stone. You will feel minimal discomfort.

Crown Lengthening Periodontic Treatment

Crown lengthening is another periodontic treatment. In short, it is a surgical procedure that restores the gum line. Despite the name, this procedure does not lengthen the crown; instead, it lowers the gum line. This is the only option when there is not enough tooth structure to put on a crown. Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth so that the dentist has something to work with.

Periodontal Splinting | Periodontic Treatment

Teeth can become loose due to injury, lost gum tissue, orthodontic treatment, or tooth misalignment. Periodontal splinting can make these teeth stronger by attaching weak teeth. This makes them stable and stronger than single teeth by themselves. Periodontal splinting is most commonly performed on the front teeth and uses composite material to attach loose teeth to stable teeth next to them.

Scaling and Root Planing

Gingivitis is a disease that can cause significant tooth and gum deterioration if left untreated. Gingivitis forms when plaque and tartar stay on the teeth too long. This allows bacteria to thrive and multiply. These bacteria can cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums. While nobody wants to hear that they have gingivitis, the reality is that treatment is relatively simple. Gingivitis can be treated by having the dental hygienist scale and polish the teeth. If this does not work, the gingivitis will worsen, and the roots will need planing. The difference between scaling and root planing is that scaling removes the dental tartar from the tooth surface, while root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces and removing the infected portions of the tooth. Scaling and planing is a non-surgical procedure. It is performed in the dentist's office without any anesthesia. Generally, the procedure is painless. However, the procedure may be uncomfortable if you have advanced stages of gingivitis. Your dentist may need to numb the area during the treatment. Deep scaling and root planing/ periodontic treatments are usually done in multiple appointments. One section of the mouth will be done per visit. This allows your mouth to heal. To prevent infection, your dentist may give you an antibiotic called ARESTIN right after the scaling and root planing.

Contact Us for Periodontic Services Today

While taking care of your teeth is important, you shouldn't ignore your gums. Gum disease and oral health issues can threaten the health of your teeth and your entire body. The team at Breeze Dental can help you understand your periodontic treatment options so you can keep your mouth in tip-top shape. To schedule a consultation with our Fairfax office, call (703) 844-2991.