What non-surgical options are available if my gum disease is advanced?

If the disease has progressed beyond gingivitis, we often perform deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing. This non-surgical treatment meticulously removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots, helping the gums reattach and reduce pocket depth. These procedures are fundamental to the periodontal services in Bethesda we offer.

How is bone grafting used to treat periodontal disease?

When bone loss is significant, a bone graft may be necessary to stabilize your teeth. This procedure involves placing bone material (synthetic or natural) into the affected area to stimulate regeneration of new, supportive bone tissue. This can dramatically improve the prognosis for affected teeth. This is just one example of the advanced care available through our periodontal services in Bethesda.

Are there surgical treatments for gum disease, and when are they needed?

Yes, surgical treatments like flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery are used when non-surgical methods are insufficient. These procedures allow the periodontist to access and clean the deep root surfaces and reshape damaged bone before securing the gum tissue back in place. We provide these necessary treatments as part of our comprehensive care.

What exactly is Crown Lengthening, and why would I need it?

Crown lengthening is a common periodontal procedure that adjusts the gum and bone level around a tooth. It is often performed for cosmetic purposes to improve a "gummy" smile or when a tooth needs more structure exposed for the successful placement of a filling or a dental crown. Our periodontal services in Bethesda include both restorative and cosmetic options.

How often should high-risk patients (like those with diabetes) receive professional cleanings?

Patients with systemic conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, or certain immune-compromising diseases, may require professional periodontal maintenance visits more often than the standard twice per year. Your doctor will recommend a personalized schedule, usually every three to four months, to effectively manage inflammation and prevent disease progression.

Dental Implants in Bethesda | Permanent Tooth Replacement- Bethesda Dental Health

Dental implants are artificial root forms that are used to replace missing a single or multiple teeth without disturbing the neighboring teeth as an alternative to traditional dental bridges and removable appliances. It preserves bone where the tooth is missing and prevents shifting of adjacent and opposing teeth into the space. Once an implant is placed, it could take 4-6 months for it to fuse with the bone before a crown can be placed over this artificial root. Dental implant crowns are placed after the implant is tested to make sure it is rock solid in the bone. Crowns can be cemented or screw-retained. Dental implants feel and look natural. They help with chewing food properly and thus absorbing the nutrients efficiently which is most important in older adults who are missing multiple teeth. Dental implants have also been used to secure loose dentures improving speech and self-confidence in patients who wear a removable appliance. Although dental implants never get a cavity, gum disease and boneloss will affect their longevity. So it is very important to keep your regular check ups as instructed by your dentist. request an appointment

Missing All Teeth

Despite our best efforts in preventing and treating dental and gum disease, we could lose all of our teeth. In the past, the only treatment solution was a denture. However, time has changed and dental implants can be used to replace your teeth. There are removable and fixed options, each with unique benefits. some of the benefits of implant-retained removable option is that it improves stability of a denture which in turn improves your speech and you can chew your food better, but you have to still take it out of your mouth to clean it and you must take it out before you sleep. The fixed option significantly improves the stability of your denture so that you can eat your steak and apples and it wont move when you are talking and eating. It eliminates the need for denture adhesives and you can sleep with it and clean it like your natural teeth. If you have lost your teeth and addressed it quickly, you may be a candidate for traditional fixed bridge. It is the most natural-looking and natural-feeling replacement solution. At Bethesda Dental Health, Dr. Larijani and her team of surgeon and lab technicians work together to make the process smooth and pleasant for each patient as the need for each individual is different. You don’t have to suffer the embarrasment of wearing a denture and changing your lifestyle. Schedule a consultation to determine which option is best for you.

Loose Dentures

If you are wearing dentures and they are loose. Dental implants can be used to secure them in place. You have several options that will makes a denture fit better or you can completely switch to one that is not removable. The removable option improves the fit of the denture significantly, but you still have to remove it to clean. You can’t sleep with it and there are certain foods that you can’t comfortably eat. The fixed option significantly improves the stability of your denture so that you can eat your steak and apples and it won’t move when you are talking and eating. It eliminates the need for denture adhesives and you can sleep with it and clean it like your natural teeth. If you have lost your teeth and addressed it quickly, you may be a candidate for traditional fixed bridge. It is the most natural-looking and natural-feeling replacement solution. At Bethesda Dental Health, Dr. Larijani and her team of surgeon and lab technicians work together to make the process smooth and pleasant for each patient as the need for each individual is different. You don’t have to suffer the embarrasment of wearing a denture and changing your lifestyle. Schedule a consultation to determine which option is best for you.

FAQs

Am I a good candidate for dental implants, or are there certain health conditions that would prevent me from getting them?

Our office ensures maximum comfort during the dental implants placement using local anesthesia, so you feel minimal discomfort during the procedure itself. Post-operative pain is typically managed with over-the-counter medication. Most patients return to normal activities quickly, but we provide detailed instructions to ensure smooth healing and rapid recovery.

How much pain should I expect during the dental implants placement procedure, and what is the recovery process like afterward?

I am missing several teeth. Can I still receive dental implants, or are they only suitable for replacing a single tooth?

Absolutely. Dental implants are highly versatile. While they are perfect for single tooth replacement, we can strategically place several implants to support a full bridge or even an entire arch of fixed replacement teeth. This avoids the need for removable appliances and restores comprehensive chewing function. We tailor the solution to your unique needs.

What is the expected lifespan of dental implants, and how often will I need to visit the dentist for maintenance?

With proper care and diligent oral hygiene, dental implants are designed to be a permanent, lifelong solution. They can last for decades. Although the implants cannot decay, you must maintain regular check-ups, usually every six months, for professional cleaning and monitoring to ensure the health of the surrounding gum tissue and bone.

What materials are used for the actual dental implants post that fuses with the bone, and why are they considered safe?

The post component of dental implants is typically made from titanium or a titanium alloy. This material is highly durable, lightweight, and completely biocompatible, meaning the body accepts it readily. This safety and compatibility are why the implant can successfully osseointegrate, or fuse, directly with your jawbone over time to create a rock-solid foundation.