Gum Disease Treatment in Burke, VA

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along and under the gumline. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which only a dental professional can clean away.

• Gingivitis is the early stage. Gums may be red, swollen, and bleed easily, but the bone is not yet affected. Gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and better daily care.
• Periodontitis is the more advanced stage. Gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria collect, and the supporting bone can be damaged over time. It can be managed with treatment, but lost bone does not grow back on its own.

Because gum disease is often painless in its early stages, many people do not realize they have it. That is why routine preventive dentistry visits are so important for catching it early.

Bleeding gums are not normal, even if they only bleed a little when you brush or floss. Schedule an exam if you notice any of these common signs:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away
• Gums that are receding or teeth that look longer
• Teeth that feel loose or are shifting
• A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
• Pus between your teeth and gums

Some factors raise the risk of gum disease, including smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, certain medications, and skipping regular cleanings. If any of these apply to you, regular checkups become even more important. Let us know about any changes in your health so we can watch your gums closely.

Treating gum disease starts with an accurate diagnosis. During a thorough exam, Dr. Ashraghi checks your gums for inflammation and looks for pockets forming around your teeth. Digital X-rays help us see the bone that supports your teeth, and intraoral cameras let you see what we see, so you understand your gum health and your options. From there, we create a treatment plan tailored to you.

For early gum inflammation, a professional cleaning and improved home care may be enough. If we find gum pockets, we will likely recommend scaling and root planing, sometimes combined with antibiotic therapy. Every plan is explained in plain language, with no pressure, so you can decide on your gum disease treatment in Burke with confidence. You can learn more about the tools we use on our dental technology page.

Gum disease treatment works best when it is followed by good daily care and regular follow-up visits. After your deep cleaning, we may recommend more frequent cleanings to keep bacteria from building back up in the pockets. At home, you can help your gums heal by:

• Brushing gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Cleaning between your teeth every day with floss or another interdental cleaner
• Avoiding tobacco, which slows gum healing
• Keeping every recommended follow-up visit

Gum recession can leave tooth roots exposed and more prone to decay, so some patients also benefit from professional fluoride treatment. Once your gums are healthy again, routine dental checkups and teeth cleanings help keep them that way.

The cost of gum disease treatment depends on how advanced it is, how many areas need deep cleaning, and whether antibiotic therapy is recommended. We examine your gums first and give you a clear estimate before treatment begins. Alpine Dental is in-network with most PPO plans, and our team will check your benefits and file claims for you. Learn more on our dental insurance page.

No insurance? Our No Strings Smile Plans membership can help, and Cherry financing lets you pay over time. We welcome patients from Burke, West Springfield, Springfield, Fairfax Station, and Newington. Our office at 9255 Old Keene Mill Rd is under five minutes east of the Fairfax County Parkway.