Gum disease treatment in Falls Church, VA
Broadview Dental provides periodontal care in Falls Church, VA for gums that bleed, recede or need additional support around the teeth. Gum disease affects the gums and supporting structures around your teeth, and untreated periodontitis can lead to bone loss and, in more advanced cases, tooth loss.
How gum disease progresses, and where it stops being reversible
Gum disease often begins as gingivitis, when the gums become inflamed and may bleed during brushing or flossing. At this early stage, there is generally no bone loss, and professional care along with consistent brushing and flossing can often restore gum health.
When inflammation progresses to periodontitis, it can affect the bone and other tissues that support the teeth. Bone loss from periodontitis is not fully reversible, but treatment can help manage the disease, reduce inflammation and protect the support that remains.
Dr. Nam evaluates your gums as part of a comprehensive exam. Measurements, X-rays when appropriate and your overall oral-health findings help determine whether your gums are healthy, inflamed or affected by periodontal disease.
How we treat gum disease at our Falls Church dental office
Treatment depends on the health of your gums and the amount of support around each tooth. These are common steps in periodontal care.
Measuring and charting
We measure the spaces between the teeth and gums, called periodontal pockets, and record the findings as part of your periodontal evaluation. Healthy pocket depths are commonly about 1 to 3 millimeters, while deeper pockets can be a sign that further assessment or care is needed.
A cleaning, for gingivitis
When gum inflammation is limited to gingivitis, a professional cleaning and effective daily home care may help restore gum health. At this stage, treatment may remain part of regular preventive care rather than more advanced periodontal treatment.
Scaling and root planing
When gum disease has created deeper pockets, scaling and root planing may be recommended to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and along the root surfaces. Your treatment plan, comfort options and appointment schedule will be based on your individual needs.
Periodontal maintenance
After periodontal treatment, many patients benefit from a more frequent periodontal maintenance schedule, often every three to four months. These visits help us monitor gum health, remove buildup and adjust care when needed.
Saving or replacing what is affected
When a tooth has lost significant support, Dr. Nam will evaluate whether it can be maintained predictably. If saving the tooth is not appropriate, tooth extractions and replacement options can be discussed as part of a personalized care plan.
The signs of gum disease and what each one is telling you
Gum disease may not cause pain, so these changes can be important to notice.
- Bleeding when you brushUSUALLY MEANSEARLY INFLAMMATION
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing can be a sign of gum inflammation and is worth discussing with your dentist. Gingivitis is often reversible with professional care and consistent home oral hygiene.
- Gums that have pulled backUSUALLY MEANSLOST SUPPORT
- Gum recession can make teeth look longer and may expose root surfaces, which can increase sensitivity. The cause of recession should be evaluated so we can recommend appropriate care and help protect the affected area.
- Bad breath or taste that returnsUSUALLY MEANSBACTERIA BELOW THE GUM
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste can be associated with bacteria, plaque buildup or gum disease. Because several oral-health concerns can contribute, an exam can help identify the cause and the most appropriate treatment.
- A tooth that has moved or loosenedUSUALLY MEANSADVANCED DISEASE
- A tooth that feels loose, has shifted position or changes the way your bite fits together may be a sign of advanced periodontal disease or another dental concern. Contact us for an evaluation so we can assess the cause and discuss appropriate care.
Schedule gum disease treatment near you in Falls Church, VA
Bleeding, swollen or receding gums are worth checking, even when they are not painful. Early evaluation can help identify whether you have gingivitis or a more advanced form of gum disease and may give you more options for protecting your gums and teeth.
Broadview Dental is located on West Broad Street in Falls Church, VA, convenient for patients who live or work nearby. Call (571) 584-0020 or use the form below to schedule periodontal care near you.
Gum disease treatment with Dr. Nam in Falls Church, VA
Dr. Nam provides periodontal care at Broadview Dental for patients with gum inflammation, gum recession and periodontal disease. He will evaluate your gum health, explain the findings and recommend treatment based on your oral-health needs.
Whether your care involves a professional cleaning, scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance, your treatment plan will be designed around your individual condition and goals.
Understanding gum disease treatment costs
The cost of gum disease treatment depends on your diagnosis, the care recommended and the details of your dental benefits, if applicable. After your evaluation, our team can review the proposed treatment plan and discuss available financial options. Learn more about insurance and payment.
If you do not have dental insurance, our in-house membership plan may be a useful resource for managing the cost of ongoing dental care. You can also review our current specials for available offers.
Call (571) 584-0020 with questions about periodontal treatment, payment options or scheduling your consultation.
Patient reviews in Falls Church, VA
Questions about gum disease
Have questions about your gum health? We are happy to talk before you book.
Gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, can often be reversed with professional care and consistent home oral hygiene. When gum disease has progressed to periodontitis and causes bone loss, it cannot be fully reversed, but treatment can help manage the disease and protect the support that remains.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is the mildest form of gum disease. Periodontitis is a more advanced condition that affects the supporting tissues around the teeth and can involve bone loss. A periodontal evaluation, including gum measurements and other clinical findings, helps determine which condition is present.
Gum disease may not cause pain, particularly in its earlier stages. Some people notice bleeding, swelling, recession, sensitivity, bad breath or changes in the way their teeth fit together instead. Regular exams are important because an evaluation can identify concerns before symptoms become more noticeable.
Gum disease can increase the risk of tooth loss when it is not treated, particularly when it has caused significant bone loss. With appropriate treatment, consistent home care and a recommended periodontal maintenance schedule, many patients are able to manage the condition and help protect their teeth.
After periodontal treatment, a more frequent periodontal maintenance schedule may be recommended to monitor your gum health and remove buildup before it contributes to further inflammation. Many patients return every three to four months, though your follow-up schedule is based on your periodontal condition and response to care.
Gum disease is associated with several health conditions, including diabetes, and diabetes can make gum disease more difficult to manage. Researchers continue to study the relationship between periodontal disease and other conditions, including heart disease. Treating gum disease is important for your oral health and may support your overall health as part of regular medical and dental care.
Where to find us
Broadview Dental is at 101 W Broad St, Suite 200 in Falls Church, VA. We are open Monday to Saturday and welcoming new patients of all ages.
Call us or send the form and we will follow up to arrange a time that suits you.
Request an appointment
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