General Dentistry
Gum Disease Treatment in Reston, VA
Healthy gums, treated early and without surgery where possible.
Deep cleaning below the gumline, with a laser-assisted option and a Board-Certified Periodontist in the same office for advanced cases.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease treatment in Reston, VA: traditional and laser-assisted scaling and root planing, with a Board-Certified Periodontist in the same office.
Protect the foundation your teeth stand on
Healthy gums and bone are the foundation for everything else in your mouth, and gum disease slowly weakens that foundation. It ranges from gingivitis, early inflammation of the gums, to periodontitis, the advanced form of the disease. Because it often causes no pain at first, regular exams help catch it in its early stages, when it is simpler to treat. We offer both traditional and laser-assisted scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes bacteria from below the gumline without surgery. When a case calls for specialty care, Board-Certified Periodontist Dr. Hazem Saqqal treats patients in the same office.
Who looks after your gums
Dr. Kiumars Karbasi checks your gums at every routine exam and treats gum disease as part of your general care. Dr. Saqqal focuses on keeping the foundation of your smile strong and restoring it when it has been lost. The two doctors work side by side with shared records, so there is no outside referral to arrange and no new office to find.
Treatment options for gum disease
- Scaling and root planingA deep cleaning below the gumline that removes buildup and bacteria and helps gum tissue heal and reattach.
- Laser gum therapyLaser-assisted treatment for diseased gum tissue, often with less bleeding and a quicker recovery.
- Antibiotics and irrigationAntibiotics and antibacterial irrigation may be used to further fight infection and promote healing.
- Gum graftingSoft tissue grafts cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity and protect teeth from further recession.
- Bone graftingRebuilding bone where it has been lost to gum disease, often to prepare a site for a dental implant.
Signs to have your gums checked
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Sudden swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Gums that have pulled back from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Roots that look exposed or feel sensitive
Keep your gums healthy between visits
Routine exams and cleanings help prevent gum disease from starting and catch it early when it does. If gum disease has already affected the bone around your teeth, visit our periodontics page or read more about Dr. Saqqal.
The short answer
Gum disease treatment addresses infection of the gums, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, before it damages the tissue and bone that support your teeth. The usual first step is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gumline that removes buildup and bacteria, sometimes with laser assistance, antibiotics or antibacterial irrigation. It helps gum tissue heal and reattach, and advanced cases may also need gum or bone grafting from a periodontist.
Gum disease treatment FAQ
- What is gum disease?
- Gum disease is an infection of the gums that ranges from gingivitis, early inflammation, to periodontitis, its advanced form. Left untreated, it can damage the gum tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. Because it often develops without pain, regular exams help catch it early. Treatment then aims to clear the infection and help the gums heal.
- Can gum disease be treated without surgery?
- Yes, in many cases gum disease is treated without surgery through scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning removes bacteria from below the gumline, and we offer both traditional and laser-assisted versions. Antibiotics and antibacterial irrigation may also be used to fight infection and promote healing. More advanced cases may need grafting, which Dr. Saqqal provides in the same office.
- What is scaling and root planing?
- Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gumline that removes buildup and bacteria. It goes further than a routine cleaning, reaching the surfaces of the tooth roots beneath the gums. Clearing that buildup helps the gum tissue heal and reattach to the teeth. It can be performed with traditional instruments or with laser assistance.
- Will I be referred to another office for gum treatment?
- Usually not, because a periodontist treats patients in our office. Dr. Hazem Saqqal, a Board-Certified Periodontist, handles specialty gum care alongside the rest of your treatment. He and Dr. Kiumars Karbasi plan your periodontal and restorative care together, with shared records and the same front desk team. You are seen here, by doctors who already know your case.
- What are the signs of gum disease?
- Bleeding, swelling and receding gums are some of the most common signs of gum disease. Sudden gum swelling or bleeding can be a sign of advanced gum disease and should be checked promptly. Persistent bad breath can also signal an underlying issue. Because early gum disease may cause no symptoms at all, routine exams remain the most reliable check.
- Is laser gum therapy available?
- Yes, laser-assisted treatment is available for diseased gum tissue. It is often associated with less bleeding and a quicker recovery for many patients. Laser technology is used for selected soft-tissue procedures as part of a comfortable treatment experience. We will explain whether a laser-assisted approach suits your case.
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We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and helps you get the most from your coverage.
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Financing through Cherry, Proceed Finance, LendingClub and HFD.