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Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Periodontal Treatment – Fairfax, VA
Give Your Teeth a Healthy Home
Bleeding gums, excessive bad breath, loose teeth—these are all signs of periodontal (gum) disease, a very common health condition that’s the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team’s goal is to diagnose this disease at the earliest stages possible with the help of in-depth screenings.
Once we’ve identified whether the condition is present, we’ll present your options for gum disease treatment in Fairfax and restore health and comfort to your smile. With a professional dentist like Dr. Malcolm Murray handling your care, you’re in good hands.
Why Choose MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Periodontal Treatment?
- Calming, Family Dental Atmosphere
- Full Cleanings from Gentle Dentists
- Relieve Anxiety via Sedation Options
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, and it’s one of the most common oral health problems among adults.
It often begins as gingivitis—red, swollen gums that bleed easily, and then progresses to periodontitis, where the bone and ligaments around the teeth start to break down. If left untreated, this can eventually lead to loose teeth and, in severe cases, tooth loss.
Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking or vaping, diabetes, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, certain medications, and even genetics, which is why regular checkups are so important.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease can show up in many different ways, and some signs are easy to overlook at first. Common symptoms include:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Gum recession or teeth that appear longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your bite feels
- Pus between teeth and gums
If you notice one or more of these issues, it’s time to schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Murray.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
The right treatment depends on how advanced the gum disease is when we diagnose it. In its earliest stages, gingivitis can sometimes be reversed with improved at-home oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
However, once the condition progresses to periodontitis, other procedures may be necessary to control infection and prevent further damage. During your consultation, Dr. Murray will examine your gums and recommend the most effective plan for restoring your oral health.
Scaling & Root Planing
Treating advanced stages of gum disease often requires a ‘one-two punch’ combination. Scaling and root planing is a two-part procedure designed to remove built on plaque and tartar from below the gumline and the roots of the teeth. This both decreases the inflammation in the gums, and prevents new bacteria from colonizing in the tissue, protecting the teeth from decay.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Although it is sometimes possible to reverse the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) by improving your at-home oral hygiene routine, once gum disease has advanced, scaling and root planing may be necessary.
While Dr. Murray will ultimately be the best person to determine if your smile will benefit from scaling and root planing, if you are experiencing symptoms like bleeding when brushing and flossing your teeth, persistent bad breath, swelling or inflammation in the gums, receding gums, or even visible plaque buildup, you could be an ideal candidate for this treatment.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Because of the intensity of this treatment, Dr. Murray typically performs scaling and root planing procedures in two separate appointments.
On your first visit, we will use a device known as a scaler to remove the deposits of tartar and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, reaching as far as we can into the gingival pockets.
Then, once you have recovered, you’ll return once more to have the remaining hardened deposits of bacteria removed from the roots of your teeth, deep below the gumline. By doing this, Dr. Murray can help stop the infection from spreading further by preventing dangerous oral bacteria from repopulating in your periodontal tissue and accumulating on the teeth.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Because scaling and root planing can be a very involved process, recovery can take a few weeks. Rest assured that while you may experience some heightened sensitivity and discomfort during this time, it is completely normal and temporary. To help make your healing process more comfortable, here are some aftercare tips many patients find useful:
- To soothe and clean the teeth and gums, we recommend gently swishing warm saltwater after every meal until your gums have healed. This will also make regular brushing and flossing easier, so you can feel confident your smile is clean even if your technique is gentler. To make your own saltwater, just mix ¼ teaspoon of salt to every eight ounces of water.
- When you brush your teeth, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in small, slow, circles instead of back and forth.
- Avoid foods and beverages that are hot or spicy, and take a break from acidic and alcoholic beverages until healing is complete, as these can increase discomfort and swelling while you recover.
- Never smoke, vape, or use tobacco products.
- We recommend eating a soft diet for at least the first two days following each appointment.
- Don’t participate in any strenuous physical activity for the first day or so following each treatment, as this can divert the blood flow away from your gums and make the healing process take longer.
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