Periodontal Therapy
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Our office will provide comprehensive, individualized care for your gums, so you can keep your smile for a lifetime. At your initial visit, Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Klotz, or Dr. Schlossberg will evaluate your gum tissue and prescribe treatment. In addition, we will work with you to develop good homecare habits, so your gums and teeth will remain healthy.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a silent condition, similar to high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. In the early stage of the disease, people rarely experience pain and may not be aware of the problem until it is too late. Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Loose teeth
- Pockets between teeth and gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, call Bethesda Sedation Dentistry immediately.
Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can go on for years without pain or detection unless specific examination procedures are performed. Visual oral examination (even by a dentist) will not reliably detect periodontal disease until it has reached an advanced stage.
Early detection and adequate diagnosis require precise measurements of pockets (the crevice between the tooth and gum) with a periodontal probe. At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, effective prevention and treatment is available, but the damage caused as the disease progresses is irreversible.
Gum Disease Statistics
- 75% of all Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease.
- Only 50% of the population visits a dentist on a regular basis. Of that 50%, 80% have some degree of gum and bone disease.
- Gingivitis is the most common form of periodontal disease, affecting 90% of the population, including our local Bethesda area community.
- People with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
- Gum disease has been shown to lead to low birth weight and premature birth.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
If Dr. Dougherty finds that have gum disease, he can alleviate your symptoms and prevent further infection. Our non-surgical periodontal therapies include:
- Scaling. This procedure removes hardened plaque from below the gum line.
- Root Planing. Dr. Dougherty will remove tartar and smooth root surfaces to prevent plaque from sticking.
- Arestin. This antibiotic therapy fights disease-causing bacteria for up to 21 days.
For advanced stages of gum disease, we may perform gum surgery.
Periodontal Surgery
Our Bethesda denitsts have undergone advanced training in oral surgery and can perform periodontal surgery in the safety and comfort of our Bethesda dental office. Typically, periodontal surgery involves four procedures. Depending on your unique case, the dentist may reduce the depth of periodontal pockets, regenerate bone or soft tissue, lengthen the crown of the tooth, and/or perform soft tissue grafts.
Periodontal surgery will improve your chances of keeping your teeth throughout life. We offer several methods of sedation, so you can get the care you need while experiencing total comfort.
If you have any questions about gum disease, periodontal therapy, or gum surgery, don't hesitate to call Bethesda Sedation Dentistry or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Dougherty, Dr. Klotz, Dr. Schlossberg, and our team will be happy to help you get on the path to optimal oral health. We proudly serve residents of Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
