Gum Disease Treatments Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Gum Disease Treatment Washington DC & Alexandria VA
If your periodontist has informed you that you have gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), it’s important to schedule treatment as soon as possible. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to a number of oral health issues that include swollen or bleeding gums, jawbone deterioration, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
To prevent or reverse gum disease, the best thing you can do (in addition to practicing good oral hygiene habits on a daily basis) is to schedule regular periodontal maintenance. Unlike the traditional recommended dental visit every six months, patients who have developed or are more susceptible to gum disease should schedule periodontal maintenance more frequently, depending upon the severity of their case, how quickly they develop plaque, and how successful previous periodontal treatment has been.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists Drs. Zalewsky, Daru, Gupta, and Lakkis have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about treatment options for gum disease, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Lakkis
Dr. Dima Lakkis earned her DDS with honors in 2006 and completed her Periodontics training and Master of Science at Case Western Reserve. She is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Lakkis provides a full range of periodontal and implant treatments, with advanced training in cosmetic procedures. She is an active member of several dental organizations and has published in the Journal of Periodontology on the link between periodontal and systemic health.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Stages of Gum Disease
The three stages of gum disease are:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, this stage typically presents as gums that are puffy, irritated, or swollen. If caught early enough, gingivitis can be corrected by a deep cleaning and/or alteration to your oral health care routine.
- Early Periodontitis: The next stage in gum disease, early periodontitis typically presents as gums that easily bleed, plaque buildup below your gum line, and/or mild to moderate bone loss around the teeth. Treatment options for this level of gum disease typically involve deep cleaning, laser therapy, or a combination of both.
- Advanced Periodontitis: The most advanced stage of gum disease, advanced periodontitis is characterized by the previous symptoms along with the development of deep pockets between the teeth and gums, and in the most severe cases, deterioration of the jawbone and/or tooth loss. Treatment options for this level of gum disease may require a deep cleaning, laser therapy, and/or a bone graft.
Gum Disease Treatments
If your periodontist has determined you have gum disease, there are several different treatment options available. Every patient will be best suited to particular treatment types depending upon their unique circumstances, but the most common treatment types include:
- Prophylaxis: If caught early enough, gum disease can be reversed by a cleaning procedure performed by a dental hygienist.
- Scaling and root planing: Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing removes bacteria and toxic elements that have accumulated beneath the gums and smooths the surface of the root to eliminate infection and reduce the likelihood of infection returning.
- Surgery: For patients who have developed advanced periodontitis, gum surgery combined with regenerative procedures may be recommended to restore lost tissue and eliminate the disease.
- Bone graft: Patients with advanced gum disease will begin to lose bone around their teeth, resulting in tooth loss. To correct this issue and create sufficient stability for dental implants, a bone graft procedure will be necessary.
Gum Disease Treatment Cost
The cost of treating gum disease will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and the severity of your case. At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Dr. Zalewsky is an out-of-network provider for all insurance plans, and Dr. Hoge is a participating provider with Delta Dental Insurance. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we proudly offer outstanding oral healthcare for patients in the Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, VA, areas. In our calm, peaceful environment, we use state-of-the-art equipment to perform advanced procedures designed to achieve optimal results. Because collaboration is a key component of success, we work closely with your primary dentist to deliver the customized treatment and care you deserve.
To schedule your appointment to address gum disease, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!