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Periodontics at Virginia Family Dentistry
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on the health of your gums and supporting structures around your teeth. Healthy gums are essential for a strong, healthy smile, and periodontal care helps prevent and treat conditions like gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease. Our periodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating these issues, as well as performing procedures like deep cleanings, gum grafts, and dental implant placement. By caring for your gums, periodontics helps protect your overall oral health and prevent tooth loss.
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, as well as the placement of dental implants and care of the supporting structures around the teeth. After completing four years of dental school, periodontists receive an additional three years of specialized training in periodontics through a residency program. This advanced education allows them to treat complex cases of periodontal disease, perform surgical procedures like gum grafts or bone regeneration, and work closely with general dentists to protect and restore their patients’ oral health.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the bone and tissues supporting your teeth, often leading to tooth loss if left untreated. It is most commonly caused by plaque buildup and affects nearly half of American adults over age 30, with rates increasing as we age. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings are the most effective ways to prevent gum disease and maintain your oral health.
Both periodontal disease and dental caries are caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film that sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thoroughly brushing and flossing daily, you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease. If not removed daily by brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this irritation persists, the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces). As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that hold teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, it eventually leads to loose teeth and tooth loss.
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Several lifestyle and health factors can increase your risk for gum disease or slow down healing after treatment. These include:
- Smoking: Reduces blood flow to the gums and interferes with healing.
- Diabetes: Makes it harder for the body to fight infection, including gum infections.
- Stress: Weakens the immune system and can make it harder to fight bacteria in the mouth.
- Clenching and Grinding: Puts extra pressure on the supporting tissues of the teeth, which can worsen gum problems.
- Medications: Certain drugs can cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth, increasing the risk of gum disease.
- Poor Nutrition: A lack of essential vitamins and nutrients can compromise gum and bone health.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, regular visits with your Virginia Family Dentistry periodontist can help you maintain healthy gums and prevent periodontal disease.
Periodontal Procedures
Our periodontists offer a variety of treatments to help prevent, manage, and repair damage caused by gum disease and other issues affecting the tissues around your teeth. These procedures are designed to restore gum health, support your teeth, and improve the foundation of your smile.
Oral Pathology
Our periodontists evaluate and diagnose oral diseases and conditions through oral pathology exams, ensuring early detection and effective treatment of abnormalities.
Scaling & Root Planing
This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline to treat and prevent gum disease, promoting healthier tissue and stronger teeth.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting restores lost tissue from gum recession, protecting tooth roots, reducing sensitivity, and improving the appearance of your smile.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening reshapes the gum and bone around a tooth to expose more surface area for a restoration or to enhance a “gummy” smile’s appearance.
Dental Implants
Implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth, using a titanium post topped with a crown to look and function like a natural tooth.
Meet Our Periodontists
Virginia Family Dentistry has multiple Periodontal Specialists within the practice. Dr. Carl Block, Dr. Danielle McCormack, Dr. Erin Block Porter, and Dr. Stephanie Voth work with General Dentists to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
