McLean Periodontics & Your Health

Every patient gets examined for potential signs of gum disease, through our salivary diagnosis. The medical field is paying special attention to gum disease because of it's suspected link to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, low birth weight babies and other serious conditions. An oral DNA test can reveal the types of bacteria present in your mouth. With her focus on McLean periodontics, Dr. Gharagozloo can evaluate your personal risk factor for gum disease, and if necessary, create an effective treatment plan for you.

To control periodontal disease, or protect patients who are at advanced risk of infection or disease, Dr. Gharagozloo performs deep cleanings. These visits involve hand scaling and root planing – the best way to rid teeth and gums of bacteria and plaque. Oftentimes, Dr. G will recommend these visits to her office 3 or 4 times a year, to prevent infection or the progression of gum disease.

Gum disease can also particularly affect people who are pregnant or diabetic. Gum disease affects more than gums and teeth, because oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and the rest of your body through bleeding gums. Once present in the bloodstream, this bacteria may cause increased plaque and weakened arterial walls of your heart, not to mention other serious risks. You can protect your health through salivary diagnosis, which is part of the potentially life-saving periodontics by McLean dentist, Dr. Gharagozloo. 

Periodontal Treatment: Surgical and Non-Surgical

Non-surgical gum treatments protect gums that have moderate or minor risk of infection. These McLean periodontic visits include hand scaling and root planing - where one of our talented hygienists removes built up plaque or calculus from your teeth and gums. If you have a more advanced case of gum disease, surgical treatments such as gum grafting, bone grafting or crown lengthening can improve your condition. Dr. Gharagozloo has an impeccable dental and medical background and she can assure your comfort and the best treatment for your individual case. For advanced cases of periodontal disease, Dr. G works closely with a local, trusted periodontist, to provide the best care possible.

Here are some warning signs of gum disease, as found in the article, Helping Patients Understand The Suspected Link Between Gum Disease, Heart_Attack, and Stroke (PDF).

• Bleeding gums during brushing or eating
• An increasing space between teeth
• Tender or swollen gums
• Receding gums (gums that are pulling away from teeth)
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Changes in your bite, or the way teeth fit together
• Sores in your mouth
• Inflammation of gums

If you are concerned about your risk of gum disease, request a McLean periodontics appointment with Dr. Gharagozloo today.

Providing services for periodontics in McLean to Arlington, VA and beyond.