periodontal services Bethesda, MD

Periodontal Services

The easiest and the most important thing that you can do for your overall health is to keep your gums healthy. Science has proven that the bacteria in the mouth that cause gum disease can affect the health of your heart, and brain. If gum disease remain untreated at the earliest stage (gingivitis), it will penetrate deeper and cause boneloss.

Bone is the support structure around your teeth. If you lose bone, you will eventually lose your teeth. Gum disease also known as periodontal disease can easily be prevented by developing good oral hygiene habits and techniques and by visiting your dentist for professional “cleaning” also known as prophy on a regular basis. However, once the disease develops deeper in the gum structure and affect your jaw bone, it will require more complex treatments that could range from non-surgical to surgical treatments and bone grafts.

Healthy gums are pink and firm and they don’t bleed. If you notice redeness in your gums or bleeding when you floss or brush, you have early signs of gum disease. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, or have a history of gum disease in you family, regular dental checkups become even more important. Pregnant patients, diabetic patients, cancer patients and those who had suffered from heart attack, stroke, kidney disease can benefit from more frequent cleaning to help prevent gum disease.

Scaling & Root Planing Bethesda, MD

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are a more in-depth, thorough cleaning treatment recommended for patients who may be suffering from periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, this type of gum infection is caused by bacteria and plaque forming on your teeth over time and causing inflammation. While serious, periodontal disease is treatable. However, it can lead to bone or tooth loss if not treated quickly.

When your gums become inflamed, bacteria hides in pockets that trigger the gums to push away from the teeth. Once these layers or pockets have been formed, it is nearly impossible to clean them with just brushing alone. This is where scaling and root planing becomes necessary. During the scaling portion of this conventional periodontal therapy, our team will use a scaling tool to remove any plaque, bacteria, and tartar around the affected tooth and below the gumline all the way to the bottom of the infected pocket.

After the scaling is complete, we will move onto root planing. The root planing technique is used to smooth out the tooth’s root and ultimately remove the pocket caused by bacteria. When the root has been effectively smoothed, the gums can be reattached and have a greater chance of fully healing.

Some patients report mild discomfort during the procedure and increased sensitivity after the treatment is complete, but with a personalized treatment plan, we can help manage any discomfort and pain. Moving forward, practicing good oral hygiene is paramount for making sure that periodontal disease doesn’t become worse after seeking initial treatment at our office.

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Crown Lengthening Bethesda, MD

Crown Lengthening

For patients who believe that their smile is too “gummy” or that their teeth are too short, we are proud to offer crown lengthening services to fix those concerns. Crown lengthening procedures are done to expose more of the tooth and remove extra gum tissue. By doing this, we can reshape your gums and help give your teeth the look and shape you desire. In addition to the life-changing results, crown lengthening is a minimally-invasive procedure that will allow for a more balanced, even smile.

Before we begin treatment, we will first meet to learn more about your desired results as well as determine if crown lengthening is the best procedure for you. Factors such as oral hygiene and gum health will determine the best course of action and treatment plan. During the dental crown lengthening procedure, our team will remove excess gum and bone tissue to reshape the tooth to expose a more natural tooth. This procedure can be done to just one single tooth or several, or even to your entire gum line. These changes can be done for restorative or cosmetic purposes depending on your needs.

The recovery time for the crown lengthening procedure is approximately three months. As your gums heal, you’ll be able to resume normal habits and functions. In recovery, you will be asked to avoid demanding activities during the first two to three days after your operation. Some patients report mild discomfort during the procedure and increased sensitivity after the treatment is complete, but with a personalized treatment plan we can help manage any discomfort and pain. Moving forward, practicing good oral hygiene is paramount.

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Periodontal Disease Treatment Bethesda, MD

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Periodontal disease is a serious issue that affects many people’s lives. Luckily our experienced periodontists are capable of treating periodontal disease in our patients, a field in which they have rigorous training and education.

The cleaning of calculus, or tartar, is a major component of treating periodontal disease. However, changes in the patient’s behavior are just as important. Making sure your dental hygiene habits are up to par is critical in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, so it is critical to properly care for them. If you have periodontal disease, don’t feel hopeless. It is a treatable disease, but one that requires the patient to be aware and active with their dental care.

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FAQs

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.