Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious condition that often goes unnoticed until it has caused extensive damage to teeth, gums, and the jawbone. The dentists at Fairfax Family Dental can identify and treat gum disease early, as well as take steps to repair late-stage damage.

Learn how early gingivitis treatment by the highly trained dentists at our Fairfax, VA, practice can stop gum disease in its tracks.

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Are You On the Path to Gum Disease? From Plaque to Tartar to Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is caused by a buildup of bacteria and inflammation affecting the gums. Unfortunately, it can begin as a silent disease. Many people don't realize they have it until after significant damage has already occurred. It takes trained dentists like ours to identify gum disease and treat it accordingly. Here is how gum disease develops:

Plaque

Gingivitis, or early gum disease, starts as the pale yellow plaque that collects on teeth. Fortunately, with regular oral hygiene, you can remove plaque at home with simple brushing and flossing. However, if you skip a day or don't clean each tooth carefully, plaque quickly builds up and gingivitis can develop.

Tartar

If plaque is not removed through at-home care like brushing, it hardens into tartar. As a result, bacteria thrives and attacks the protective enamel on your teeth. The more plaque that forms, the more tartar develops. Unfortunately, daily oral hygiene won't help at this stage. You need professional help to remove tartar.

Gum Disease

If the plaque and tartar are not removed, it eventually causes inflammation around the teeth. Once the bacteria collect below the gum line, it can progress to attacking the bone and ligaments surrounding the teeth and introducing an advanced phase of gum disease called periodontitis.

Our Dentists Work With You to Minimize & Prevent Gum Disease Dangers Like These

What Is Gingivitis And What Are the Symptoms?

The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis, and it occurs when plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, causing inflammation in the gums. With treatment from our dentists and good at-home habits, though, it can be reversed. You may have this condition if you notice symptoms like:

Swollen gum tissue
Discolored gums
Tender gums
Bad breath
Bleeding gums
Sores

What Is Periodontal Disease And What Are the Symptoms?

If gingivitis goes untreated, you will develop periodontitis, which can only be managed. Without regular care, this condition can take a serious toll on your teeth and gums. It will likely require a special type of cleaning at our practice called scaling and root planing. Symptoms at this stage include:

Pain while chewing
Gum recession
Severe bad breath
A foul taste in the mouth
Loose teeth
Tooth loss

Woman with gum disease and missing teeth

Is This an Emergency?

While gum disease typically progresses slowly, if you don't take action, you may need to seek emergency dental care. Common situations that could be caused by gum disease include root canal infections, a loose tooth, a dental abscess, or a swollen jaw. If you have a dental emergency, Our Fairfax dental office offers round-the-clock emergency care.

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Outstanding Service and Thankful Patients

Dr Kamali was so kind to me and explained everything that was going to happen to put my mind at ease. His assistant is such a caring person. The front desk assistants were so very patient and understanding. I love how modern and clean everything is.

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I had my teeth cleaned and a general check in exam. Both events were professionally and and flawlessly accomplished. I look forward to doing dental business with them in the future.

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Multilingual Care in Fairfax, VA

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We're proud to have a multilingual team. Together, our dentists and staff speak Bulgarian, Czech, Cantonese, English, Farsi, Finnish, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Find the care you and your family need — without the language barrier — at our welcoming Fairfax dental office.

We're the Right Choice to Treat Fairfax, VA, Gum Disease Patients

Fairfax Family Dental Care was established in 1986. Drs. Kirksey, Simanek, and Kamali continue a tradition of providing the Fairfax area with outstanding dental and periodontal care. Here is why so many of your neighbors trust our highly trained dentists:

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If you have bleeding gums or other symptoms and suspect you have periodontal disease, visit us. Only professional techniques can remove tartar, treat advanced gum disease, and restore your oral health. The earlier you seek treatment, the more likely the effects of gum disease can be reversed.

Drs. Charles Kirksey, Milan Simanek, and Touraj Kamali at our Fairfax dental office have advanced training in specialized areas of dentistry. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to treat complex dental cases all under one roof. By using advanced technology, we are able to identify oral health problems before they escalate.

In addition to scaling and root planing to help eradicate gum disease, our dentists also have advanced restorative dentistry and periodontal skills to rebuild your smile. Contact us to find the care you need.

Fairfax Family Dental Care front desk — Find periodontal care like gum grafts and scaling and root planing at our Fairfax office.

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We Help Patients with Dental Anxiety Feel Entirely at Ease

“I have severe dental anxiety, and this place has helped me so much. I have never had an issue here and it’s the only place where I have felt calm and at peace with getting cleanings and anything else I need.” Giselle Bowers

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Is Gum Disease Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Yes, insurance will help with the cost of treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis. This can include regular cleanings, scaling and root planing, and gum grafting. After all, these conditions affect your oral health and function — and they can be an important investment in your overall wellness. Rest assured, we will only recommend treatment if you genuinely need it.

Still nervous about cost? We offer free consultations for new Fairfax gum disease patients, so that you can explore your treatment options, stress-free.

What Are My Payment Choices?

Periodontal care is a crucial investment in the long-term health of your smile. It can even prevent the need for costly treatment like dental implants or restorations later down the line. Along with dental insurance, we take several payment options for your convenience:

How We Treat Gum Disease

The type of treatment we prescribe will depend on the severity of the condition. Treating the early stages of gum disease can improve your oral health almost immediately. It can also reverse the effects of gum disease and make it easier to manage.

Routine Cleanings for Gingivitis

Mild cases of periodontal disease can typically be corrected with routine checkups with a dentist. Like other options, your exams and cleanings will need to be paired with a good at-home oral care routine, including daily flossing and twice-daily brushing.

Scaling & Root Planing for Gingivitis & Periodontitis

For mild to moderate cases of gingivitis, as well as periodontitis, you may require a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque, bacteria, and tartar that has built up on the teeth, reduces periodontal pockets, and helps the gums reattach to the teeth.

Gum Grafts for Severe Periodontal Disease

If periodontal disease has damaged your gums and caused recession, our dentists can perform gum grafts. This can restore the lost gum tissue, create an attractive gum line, and protect the tooth roots. Once you recover, we'll continue to work with you to manage your periodontal disease.

Addressing the Effects of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease can leave you with gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss. Fortunately, once we've begun managing your condition, our compassionate dentists can also offer related treatments to improve your oral health and function, like: