It’s hard to believe, but estimates are that some 75 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Furthermore, for the many who don’t attend regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams, they may not even know they have this chronic condition which has been linked to other bodily ailments. So, for the sake of your oral health as well as your general health, Dr. David S. Groy and our team in Leesburg, VA, are dedicated to carefully assessing and monitoring the health of your gums.
First of all, what is gum disease? It is an infection of your gum tissue, and if left untreated, it can affect the bone tissue that supports your teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, you may notice that your gums are somewhat more red than pink and they may be swollen. Chronic bad breath may be a problem, too. The advanced stage, known as periodontitis, is marked by gums that have dramatically receded from your teeth, so your teeth may look longer than usual. Receding gums can lead to infected pockets that form around your teeth. The inflammation that ensues as your body’s defenses work to combat the infection may eventually lead to the breakdown of tissues and bone. Without treatment, your teeth may ultimately loosen, shift, fall out or require extraction.
Gum Disease Therapy from the Dentist Leesburg Trusts
Needless to say, loose or missing teeth are best avoided. Therefore, to help treat and reverse the effects of gum disease, Dr. Groy offers gum disease treatment. If caught early enough at a regularly scheduled hygiene appointment, then treatment may only involve an alteration to your oral care routine at home. After all, brushing and flossing is only as good as your technique, so we’ll be glad to help make sure you are doing both of these correctly.
If in-office treatment is necessary, the condition of your gums will determine what procedures are required. In the case of gingivitis, a thorough dental cleaning may rid your teeth of the plaque and tartar that harbor the bacteria leading to gum disease. For periodontitis, root scaling and planing may be necessary. Root scaling removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, as well as from below the gum line. Then, with root planing, we can smooth the roots so plaque is less likely to adhere, accumulate and become tartar, or hardened plaque. The most advanced cases may call for surgical procedures.
Schedule an Appointment Today
For a comprehensive dental cleaning, Leesburg, VA, can count on Dr. David Groy and our team. If you are experiencing any of the overt symptoms of gum disease mentioned above, then please call our office and speak to one of our friendly staff today. Our state-of-the-art dental practice welcomes patients from Leesburg, VA, and the surrounding areas, including Middleburg, Lovettsville, Hamilton, Ashburn, Purcellville, and beyond.