Northern Virginia Dental Associates

A Look at the Stages of Periodontal Disease

Your oral health contributes to the quality of your overall health. Minor symptoms, such as gum inflammation, could be an indication of a potentially dangerous oral ailment, such as periodontal disease. If you suspect that you’re experiencing one of the following stages of periodontal disease, seek treatment from the family dentists at Northern Virginia Dental Associates immediately.

Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which causes gum inflammation due to the buildup of plaque underneath and between your teeth. It’s important to consult your dentist as soon as you recognize the signs of gingivitis, which include swollen and red gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. Your teeth and gum tissue have not yet been permanently damaged at this stage of periodontal disease, and your dentist can provide the necessary treatment and advice to reverse the condition.

Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, the plaque may spread to the bones and connective tissue of your mouth, leading to periodontitis. During this second stage of periodontal disease, more severe, and possibly irreversible, damage occurs. Your gums remain inflamed, and you may feel your teeth loosening due to the breakdown of the connective tissues in your gums. If your gums form a small opening below your gum line, your teeth, gums, and jaw will become susceptible to infection from bacteria.

Advanced Periodontitis
If both gingivitis and the early stages of periodontitis are ignored, the disease progresses to advanced periodontitis. This is the last stage of gum disease, and this is when the most damage to your oral health is inflicted. The last bones and tissues supporting your teeth are destroyed by plaque and infection, causing your teeth to loosen and fall out. Basic tasks, such as eating and chewing, may become increasingly difficult due to missing or damaged teeth. Consult your dentist immediately for aggressive treatment if you are suffering from advanced periodontitis.

Despite the damage inflicted by periodontal disease, it’s never too late to begin treatment. Schedule a dental examination with the family dentists at Northern Virginia Dental Associates by calling (888) 862-0095. We also specialize in cosmetic dentistry services for your smile restoration.

Five Great Dental Health Resources!

Recently, our blogs has discussed your cosmetic dentistry options. Whether you are looking into professional teeth whitening or are interested in finding out more about new cosmetic procedures, some of the following links may be able to illuminate some answers:

• Learn more about cosmetic dentistry with this article from the National Institutes of Health.

• Enjoy these tips on preventative care from the Academy of General Dentistry.

• Would you like to see some before and after pictures of cosmetic dentistry procedures? If so, take a look at this slideshow from WebMD.

• Find out how you can avoid bad brushing habits with the information in this article from The Huffington Post.

• Learn about the connection between smiling and better mental health with this article from Time.

Whether you are in need of a cosmetic dental procedure or a regular oral care check-up, come see the friendly staff at Northern Virginia Dental Associates. Call  (888) 862-0095 to make an appointment today.

Three Reasons Why You Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry

Could your smile be a little brighter, whiter, or straighter? If so, you may be interested in cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on treatments for dental issues of an aesthetic nature. Cosmetic dentists provide their patients with healthy and more attractive smiles. Some popular cosmetic dentistry treatments include veneers, dental crowns, Invisalign, teeth whitening, and dental implants. Why should you consider cosmetic dentistry to give you a more attractive smile? Continue reading to find out.

1. Can Help Correct Unsightly Dental Problems
   Cosmetic dentistry is a great option for correcting unsightly dental issues. For example, Invisalign can correct overcrowding and gaps between teeth, while dental implants and veneers can help you avoid the embarrassment of having missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry patients can also benefit from professional teeth whitening treatments, which provide a dazzlingly white smile in a short amount of time.

1. Modern Treatments Provide Enhanced Aesthetics
   Many adults with cosmetic dental problems qualify for Invisalign and other unobtrusive dental treatments. Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of custom-made aligners that are both clear and removable. Veneers and crowns can restore damaged teeth while providing a natural appearance.

1. An Attractive Smile Can Boost Confidence and Self-Esteem
   A recent article in Time reported the positive effects that smiling can have on a person’s mood. In addition to increasing happiness, smiling can relieve stress and heighten self-esteem. Cosmetic dentistry can make you feel prouder and more inclined to show off your teeth by smiling. This, in turn, can lead to increased happiness and emotional wellbeing.

At Northern Virginia Dental Associates, we offer a wide range of cosmetic and general dentistry procedures and treatments, including Invisalign, teeth whitening, root canals, implant restoration, periodontal care, and much more. For more information, please call us today at (888) 862-0095.

Check Out These Links For a Look at Important Dental Health Information

Learn how you can keep your smile healthy, straight, and white by staying up-to-date on all of the latest dental news and procedures with the links below. If you’re looking for an excellent provider of dental care in the Springfield area, call Northern Virginia Dental Associates at (888) 862-0095.

• One of the types of problems dentists look for with an intraoral camera is cracks in your teeth. WebMD offers this guide to cracked teeth.

• For additional information on how the Invisalign system works, take a look at this page on the manufacturer’s website.

• Learn how to clean your teeth properly with this guide from the American Dental Association.

• The Mayo Clinic gives this overview of dental implant surgery.

• If you’d like to know more about dental implants, MedicineNet.com provides this enlightening overview.

A Look at How the Invisalign Procedure Works

New advances in dental technology have made wearing braces a great treatment option that won’t detract from your appearance. This is most true with Invisalign, an extremely popular orthodontic option that is appropriate for many patients. Talk to your cosmetic dentist about whether Invisalign is right for you, and take a look at the information below to learn more about the treatment process:

Treatment System
Accomplished through the use of smooth, clear plastic trays, Invisalign treatment provides a comfortable way to straighten teeth. Invisalign can be a great option for patients with moderate orthodontic problems, but may not be available for patients with serious malocclusions. The clear aligners are custom-fitted to the patient, do not stain, and are virtually invisible. Invisalign offers a more comfortable approach to braces, as they do not cause gum irritation and they exert less force than traditional braces, resulting in less pain. They can also be removed during eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Duration of Treatment
The average Invisalign treatment lasts for about 12 months for adults, though the length of treatment depends on the severity of each individual’s problems. Aligner trays should be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day to be effective. Your doctor will likely schedule regular appointments once every four to six weeks. These help ensure that treatment is going smoothly and as planned.

Treatment Advantages
While the Invisalign treatment is not entirely painless, it is certainly much less painful than other braces options. For the first few days of every new stage of the treatment, you are likely to experience discomfort as your teeth adjust to the Invisalign trays. This discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication and will usually go away in a matter of days.

For more information about Invisalign or other dental procedures, call Northern Virginia Dental Associates at (888) 862-0095. Our friendly personnel will be more than happy to schedule an appointment for you at our Springfield office.