Periodontal Disease in Washington, D.C.

Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammation in the gums, which may lead to considerable damage to your mouth. There are three stages of gum disease ranging from mild to severe. The first stage is gingivitis, which is caused by a buildup of plaque in the gum pockets. If not treated, gingivitis can turn into the second stage, known as periodontitis, which affects the bone and fibers that hold your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the last stage of gum disease, which can cause teeth to become loose or fall out. To deal with periodontal disease, Ingber Dental offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, depending on the intensity of the disease, including scaling and root planing, antibiotics, gum grafts, gum surgery, and tooth extraction. If you have signs of gum disease, contact our office in Washington, D.C. to schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Kenneth Ingber and his team of dentists.

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is difficult to detect on your own, which is why it is important to schedule annual dental exams at Ingber Dental. This provides an opportunity to measure your gum pockets so we can diagnose and treat gum disease before it impacts your oral and overall well-being. As gum disease progresses, symptoms will include red or swollen gums, bleeding caused by routine brushing and flossing, a receded or separated gums, and persistent bad breath. In the later stages of gum disease, you might also experience discomfort while chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It is very important to schedule a dental appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so the infection can be addressed before it gets into your blood stream.

Periodontal disease treatments will be determined by the intensity of the infection. After you have been diagnosed with gum disease, we will go over recommendations for your treatment program. For mild cases, scaling and root planing (SRP) is typically done to deep clean the pockets of the gums. In more advanced cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed in addition to multiple scaling and root planing treatments. Acute cases of periodontal disease normally call for a surgical procedure, such as regenerative (grafting) or pocket reduction.

Depending on your condition and treatment plan, your recovery time will vary. You may need to have a number of appointments at Ingber Dental to fully correct your gum disorder. Once your oral health has been restored, you must continue scheduling routine dental examinations and cleanings at Ingber Dental. It is also wise to keep up a good at-home oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing. A member of our team may recommend an antibacterial toothpaste or mouthwash to decrease your risk of developing another gum disorder.

Expenses for periodontal disease treatment will differ, depending on the severity of the disease and the procedures required. If you have dental insurance, our office will contact your insurance company to determine what they cover and if there will be any extra costs. For patients without insurance, Ingber Dental accepts many payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing. Concerns about costs? Please talk to our financial team during your consultation. Avoiding the dentist because of financial concerns may lead to bigger problems and more expensive treatments.

Gum disease will get worse without the correct treatment so it is crucial to seek professional help as soon as any symptoms occur. At Ingber Dental, we work with you to restore your gum health and prevent future instances of infection. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact our office in Washington, D.C.