Periodontal Maintenance Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Periodontal Maintenance Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Gum disease is an increasingly common issue that is generally preventable, provided you practice good daily oral hygiene habits and schedule regular visits to your dentist. If your dentist has informed you that you have developed gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) it is important to schedule a visit to treat the issue as soon as possible. If left untreated, gum disease can cause a number of issues to develop, the most common being the progression of gum disease from gingivitis to periodontitis and eventually advanced periodontitis. The initial stages of gum disease will typically present as swollen and/or bleeding gums, untreated will eventually result in the decay and the deterioration of your jawbone and/or the loss of teeth. In addition to these oral health concerns, an increasing number of studies indicate that chronic inflammation of the gums can also lead to systemic inflammation, which increases your risk of developing serious health issues, such as dementia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or heart disease.
To prevent or treat gum disease, the best thing you can do (in addition to practicing good daily oral hygiene habits) is to schedule regular periodontal maintenance. Unlike the traditionally recommended dental visit every six months, patients who have developed or are more susceptible to gum disease should schedule periodontal maintenance every three months. The frequency will vary depending upon the severity of your case, how quickly you develop plaque, and how successful previous periodontal treatment has been.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about periodontal maintenance or 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. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
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. Fields
Dr. Fields, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, embarked on his dental journey at Georgetown College, where he earned a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry. He then pursued his passion for dentistry, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Louisville in 1989. Additionally, he earned the prestigious Ma.C.S.D. degree, specializing in IV conscious sedation, showcasing his commitment to advancing his skills and knowledge for the benefit of his patients.
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. 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.
Periodontal Maintenance Appointments
Every patient will have different needs, which will determine the exact type of periodontal maintenance performed. In general, you can expect the following steps to occur at your periodontal maintenance appointment:
- We will discuss your health history and any changes that may have recently occurred
- We will examine the tissues of your mouth
- We will measure the pocket depths around your teeth. Healthy gums will have a pocket depth of around 1-3 mm. Anything deeper than 4 mm is an indication that periodontal disease has begun to develop.
- We will assess your oral hygiene habits and provide recommendations if necessary.
- The tartar and plaque will be removed, typically with scaling and root planing procedure or LANAP
- We may take an X-ray to evaluate your bone and teeth
- We will examine your teeth for indications of additional dental issues and/or decay
- We will check to ensure your bite is correct
- If necessary, medication will be prescribed
Benefits of Periodontal Maintenance
There are countless benefits to having periodontal maintenance regularly performed, including the following:
- Progression of gum disease is slowed down or halted
- Buildup that cannot be removed with home care products can be removed in the office
- With the inflammation and irritation treated, your gums will have a chance to heal, which means they can again reseal around your teeth
- Strengthens the teeth and decreases the likelihood of tooth loss
- Reduces the risk of other health issues, such as diabetes, stroke, and/or heart disease
Getting Your Oral Health Back on Track
Although regular periodontal maintenance can help reverse and even correct gum disease, this maintenance will not be nearly as effective or long-lasting if you do not practice regular and correct oral-health care at home. Brush and floss twice daily, and continue scheduling regular visits to your periodontist. This will ensure that your teeth receive consistent professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or
periodontitis. It is also important to eat nutrient-dense foods and avoid sugary foods and beverages that are more likely to cause decay. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.
Periodontal Maintenance Cost
The cost of periodontal maintenance will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, the severity of your case, and how frequently you need to schedule visits.
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. 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 are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule your appointment for periodontal maintenance, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!