Gum Disease
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is an inflammation of the gums that occurs when bacteria turn to plaque and tartar and sticks to the teeth both above and below the gumline. This leads to the breakdown of supportive bone and gum tissues. Fortunately, gum disease can be easily reversed in its earliest stages and can be treated in a variety of ways in more advanced stages.
How Gum Disease Progresses
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with professional cleanings and a good at-home oral care routine. However, if left untreated, gingivitis progresses into a more advanced form of gum disease that can damage gums and loosen teeth.
Signs of Gingivitis
- Bad breath or metallic taste in your mouth
- Red, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Pain and tenderness when chewing
- Tooth sensitivity
Signs of Advanced Gum Disease
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Gums pulling back from teeth, forming periodontal pockets
- Loose teeth
- Abscesses
The Dangers of Gingivitis Early Diagnosis is Key
Gingivitis may have mild symptoms and can be difficult for the average person to detect. Unfortunately, this allows it to go untreated and progress into a form of gum disease that can damage your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This is why we recommend scheduling regular appointments with our dentists in McLean, VA.
In addition to screening patients for the symptoms of gum disease, our board-certified doctors, Dr. Daniel Han and Dr. Sooyeon Ahn, can perform a salivary diagnosis to reveal the types of bacteria present in the mouth. This allows our doctors to evaluate your risks and, if needed, create a highly targeted treatment plan.
Do You Have Symptoms of Periodontal Disease? We Can Create a Treatment Plan for You
Dr. Daniel Han and Dr. Sooyeon Ahn at Han & Ahn DMD are proud to provide the residents of McLean and beyond with gentle and effective solutions for gingivitis and advanced periodontal disease. Because this is a progressive disease, the sooner you seek out treatment, the better.
Our board-certified doctors are graduates of the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. They use the latest preventative care methods and sophisticated LANAP laser technology for effective, comfortable gum treatments.
If you are concerned that you may have periodontal disease, we invite you to contact our office by filling out our contact form or calling our McLean office:
(703) 356-7001
5-Star Reviews
Cynthia Oconnor
2021
Dr. Han is is thorough and is really thoughtful and caring. I love this practice so much I drive from Middleburg VA. I met them when I lived in mclean. Dr Han has done all my crowns (all molars), and then put all veneers on the rest of my teeth to prevent more gum receding. They are very soft and caring
View on GoogleMatt Korn
2021
I've been seeing Dr. Daniel Han for dental care since 2013 -- he's an extremely talented and caring dentist. Was there at the office a few days ago for a cleaning and check-up, and they are carefully following Covid precautions, I felt comfortable that it was a safe experience.
View on GoogleCreating a Customized Treatment Plan
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Han & Ahn DMD in McLean can create a treatment plan to restore the health and appearance of your gums. Treating gum disease may require just one treatment or a combination of many available treatments. Your gum procedures will be tailored to your unique situation and the stage of your gum disease.
Procedures to Treat Your Gum Disease And Restore the Integrity of Your Mouth
There are many periodontal treatments you can receive to clear your mouth of the infection, encourage healthy gum tissue growth, reduce pain and sensitivity, and restore your mouth following damage.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics in the form of pills, gels, medicated toothpaste, or mouthwash can be used to eliminate your infection. Antibiotics may be used in combination with other treatments.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical treatment for gum disease that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, below the gumline, and from within periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums. Our techniques encourage the reattachment of healthy gums to clean teeth, which prevents future bacterial growth. Treatment continues at home with a good oral care routine.
Gum Grafting
If your gum tissue is unhealthy and has receded as a result of advanced gum disease, our periodontal specialist can perform a gum graft to restore your gumline. Once the infected tissue has been removed, this procedure removes a piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth or another healthy area and uses it to rebuild an attractive, protective gumline.
Bone Grafting
If periodontitis has caused you to lose bone mass, you may require bone grafting to restore your jaw. A periodontal bone graft can help fortify loose teeth to keep them stable. A bone graft may also be necessary if you need a dental implant to replace a missing tooth after advanced gum disease.
LANAP
Our practice uses LANAP® with PerioLase® to treat advanced forms of periodontitis. LANAP lasers can gently kill bacteria, leaving healthy tissue unharmed, and encourage the growth of new tissue. This procedure requires no downtime, no sutures, and often no need for pain medication.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
This periodontal treatment has a dual purpose. It removes bacterial infection deep under the gumline and stimulates the growth of healthy bone and gum tissue, rebuilding the structures that keep your teeth secure.
Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Dr. Daniel Han, a board-certified periodontologist and a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, can restore the appearance of your gums if they have been damaged by gum disease. He is skilled at both restorative and cosmetic dentistry for gums and can address your aesthetic concerns as well as your oral health.
Dental Implants
If periodontal disease has led to tooth loss, our implant specialists can use dental implants and restorations such as crowns to completely replace your missing tooth, from the root to the chewing surface. Our advanced tooth replacement techniques help you avoid jawbone atrophy. We also treat dental implants that are failing due to gum disease.
The Benefits of Treating Your Gum Disease In Its Earliest Stages
Healthier Mouth
Treating your gum disease quickly can prevent it from spreading to other parts of your mouth and damaging the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place.
Better Aesthetics
Gum recession can expose more of the tooth. This can make your teeth appear longer, a trait often associated with being elderly. Treating gum disease in its earliest stages can prevent gum recession and allow you to forgo the need for gum grafts and cosmetic surgery to restore your gumline.
Reduced Pain
When gums recede, tooth roots can become exposed and cause pain and sensitivity. Restoring your gumline can reduce these symptoms and allow you to eat comfortably again.
Save Time and Money
The longer you wait to treat gum disease, the more damage it can cause. Treating gingivitis at its earliest stages can help you avoid expensive surgery or, in the event of tooth loss, dental implants.
Risk Factors for Developing Gum Disease
Though anyone can develop periodontal disease, certain risk factors may increase your chances. These factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Misaligned teeth
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes
- Family history of gum disease
Do You Have Gum Disease? You're Not Alone
The Dangers of Gum Disease
When left untreated, gum disease can lead to oral health problems and widespread damage throughout the body. Among the problems:
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Abscesses
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stroke
Prevent Widespread Damage With Regular Checkups Request a Consultation
Gum disease can be more than a detriment to your oral health — it can also create irreversible problems for your overall health.
Our dentists in McLean can help stave off these serious health concerns through high-quality oral health care. Leave us a message about your concerns or request an appointment with us today:
(703) 356-7001
Hear About Our Patient's Experiences
Christine Signori
2020
Dr Han was very nice, we met for a preliminary consult and established a plan to bring my teeth back to the shape I want them. I have strong teeth but bad gums. I felt completely comfortable with him and could tell he really knew his stuff. Also his staff was super sweet and everyone there seemed genuinely happy. I Look forward to starting my treatment plan with him. He also came highly recommended to me, from my own dentist, who felt I would benefit from a more specialized treatment plan.
View on GoogleYoung Park
2018
I was experiencing bone loss and other problems with my implanted tooth. Dr. Han did not immediately suggest surgery (as some doctors are prone to do). Instead, he checked and rechecked my gums and tooth over a course of several months. He trained me how to take care of and heal my gums. He was patient and encouraging — he truly cared about my health. He wanted to make sure that all was healthy enough before the procedure and crown placement. Dr. Han did a perfect job. He is an excellent doctor, and I highly recommend him!
View on GoogleWe Offer Sedation And a Comfortable Environment
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If you have feelings of anxiety when visiting the dentist, our McLean practice has the solution for you. Han & Ahn DMD partners with Horizon Anesthesia to provide world-class sedation options to our patients. This allows us to maintain each patient's comfort throughout their periodontal procedures.
More 5-Star Ratings
Joyce P
2018
I injured a section of my gums and had to see Dr. Han. What could have been a painful procedure was actually quite pleasant. Dr. Han and staff are extremely professional and very kind. Highly recommend!
View on GoogleKenneth Boyer
2020
I highly recommend Dr. Han as your dentist. Very professional and compassionate about his work. His staff are very friendly, accommodating and always have a smile on their faces.
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