Periodontal Disease – Protecting Your Gum Health in Newport News, VA

Take control of your gum health with expert periodontal care in Newport News.

Periodontal Care

At our Newport News practice, we know how important healthy gums are for a strong, lasting smile. Our team is dedicated to helping patients prevent and manage gum disease through personalized care that fits each person’s needs. Using the latest techniques and technology, we provide thorough periodontal cleanings and guide patients on the best ways to maintain their gum health at home. By combining regular check-ups with clear, practical advice, we help you protect your gums, prevent complications, and keep your smile healthy for years to come. Our passion is making sure every patient feels confident and supported in their journey toward better oral health.

What to Expect At Your Periodontal Care Appointment

Visual Examination

During your periodontal care visit in Newport News, our experienced gum dentist will perform a thorough visual examination of your gums. We carefully check for signs of gum disease, including redness, swelling, or bleeding. Healthy gums should appear firm and pale pink, while any inflammation or tenderness could indicate early-stage gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease. Detecting issues early allows our periodontist to create an effective plan to protect your gums and maintain your overall oral health.

Probing

Our periodontist uses a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. This important diagnostic step helps identify how advanced gum disease may be. Healthy gums typically have pocket depths of one to three millimeters, while deeper pockets can signal periodontitis that requires targeted periodontal cleaning or other treatments. By carefully assessing your gum pockets, we can prevent further damage and preserve your teeth and supporting bone structure.

Periodontal Preventive And Treatment Options

Nonsurgical Treatments

When gum disease is in its early stages, nonsurgical treatments can often control infection and restore gum health. Our gum dentist focuses on removing harmful bacteria, reducing inflammation, and teaching you how to prevent the disease from progressing. These treatments are effective, comfortable, and allow your gums to heal without surgery. Early intervention helps protect your teeth, reduces sensitivity, and supports long-term oral health, giving you peace of mind that your gums are in good hands.

Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from both the teeth and below the gum line. This procedure smooths the root surfaces, making it harder for plaque to build up in the future. It’s often the first step for patients with moderate gum disease. Combined with proper home care, scaling and root planing promotes gum reattachment, reduces inflammation, and helps preserve your teeth for a healthier, stronger smile.

Antibiotics

In some cases, antibiotics are recommended to help control bacterial infection in the gums. These may be applied directly to the gum pockets or taken orally, depending on your needs. Our periodontist carefully selects the most effective option for your situation. When used alongside professional cleanings and daily home care, antibiotics support healing, reduce infection, and help stop gum disease from progressing, giving you healthier gums and a more comfortable, confident smile.

Surgical Treatments

For advanced gum disease, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues and restore oral health. Our periodontist carefully evaluates your condition and recommends the best approach to strengthen your gums and support your teeth. Surgical procedures are designed to reduce pocket depths, repair bone, and restore healthy gum tissue. By combining expert care with personalized planning, surgical treatments help patients maintain function, prevent tooth loss, and enjoy long-lasting oral wellness.

Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)

Flap surgery is used when deep pockets form between the gums and teeth. During this procedure, the gums are gently lifted so our periodontist can remove tartar and smooth the bone underneath. This encourages the gums to reattach securely to your teeth and reduces the risk of further infection. Flap surgery protects your teeth, supports gum health, and helps maintain a strong, confident smile while addressing the effects of advanced gum disease.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is used when periodontal disease has caused significant bone loss around teeth. Our periodontist restores stability by regenerating lost bone using synthetic materials or your own tissue. This strengthens teeth at risk and prevents further loss. Bone grafting not only improves the foundation for your teeth but also enhances the long-term health and functionality of your smile. With proper care and follow-up, patients can maintain strong, healthy teeth supported by a solid foundation.

Soft Tissue Grafts

Soft tissue grafts address gum recession caused by advanced periodontal disease. A small piece of tissue is taken from another area of your mouth and transplanted to cover exposed roots. This restores gum health, reduces sensitivity, and protects against decay, while also improving the appearance of your smile. Soft tissue grafts strengthen vulnerable areas, prevent further recession, and promote overall oral wellness. This procedure helps patients regain comfort, confidence, and long-term gum protection.

Signs And Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease

Recognizing the early signs of gum disease is crucial to maintaining long-term oral health. Common symptoms include bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gum swelling, and receding gums. Even mild discomfort or changes in the color of your gums can indicate the beginning stages of periodontal disease. Early detection allows our periodontist to intervene before the condition progresses and causes significant damage to the supporting structures of your teeth. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to advanced periodontitis, which may result in deep gum pockets, bone loss, and even tooth mobility or loss. Our gum dentist emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups and patient awareness to catch issues early. By educating patients on what to look for, we empower them to take an active role in their oral health, ensuring that gums remain strong and teeth are preserved for years to come.

The Importance Of Regular Periodontal Cleanings

Regular periodontal cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease and maintaining healthy teeth. These professional cleanings go beyond typical dental cleanings by focusing on the removal of plaque and tartar below the gum line. For patients prone to gum disease, frequent periodontal cleanings help control bacterial growth and prevent inflammation that could compromise the gums and supporting bone. Our team customizes the frequency of cleanings based on each patient’s specific needs to ensure optimal gum health. Beyond removing harmful deposits, periodontal cleanings provide an opportunity for our periodontist to monitor your gums for early signs of trouble. By maintaining consistent care, patients can avoid the progression of gum disease, reduce the risk of tooth loss, and maintain a confident, healthy smile. These cleanings also complement your home oral care routine, giving you a strong foundation for long-term periodontal wellness.

Advanced Periodontal Therapies

For patients with moderate to advanced gum disease, we offer a range of advanced therapies designed to restore oral health. This includes procedures like laser therapy, which precisely targets infected gum tissue while minimizing discomfort and promoting faster healing. Laser treatments can reduce bacterial presence and stimulate tissue regeneration, making them a valuable tool in comprehensive periodontal care. Other advanced therapies include localized antimicrobial treatments and guided tissue regeneration. These approaches are tailored to each patient’s condition and aim to repair damaged gums and supporting bones. Our periodontist works closely with each patient to select the most effective therapy, combining professional expertise with personalized care to halt the progression of gum disease and protect long-term oral health.

Gum Health Fact…

Did you know that untreated gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other health issues?

Take the first step toward stronger, healthier gums today.

Have Questions About Periodontal Care? Find Answers Here

What is periodontal care?

Most patients find dental cleanings to be comfortable. You may feel slight pressure or sensitivity if you have buildup or tender gums, but our hygienists work gently to ensure your comfort throughout your visit

Why is gum health important?

How often should I schedule a periodontal cleaning?

What are the early signs of gum disease?

Can gum disease be reversed?