Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious infection that can cause extensive and permanent damage to your smile. At Who Does Your Teeth, we want to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Our dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Neal can help determine if you suffer from periodontal disease and provide extensive, appropriate, and effective treatments for patients who require them. To learn more about our various treatments for periodontal disease in Henrico, Virginia, we invite you to contact us today at 804-447-1435 and schedule an appointment with our dentist.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a degenerative infection caused by bacteria in plaque. When plaque builds up on the teeth, the bacteria irritate and inflame the gum tissues. If this condition is not treated in the early stage, called gingivitis, it can develop into periodontitis, which is the more advanced stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by red, tender, bleeding, and swollen gums. Periodontal disease includes all of these symptoms, but it also typically involves gum recession and can eventually lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Gingivitis can usually be controlled and even reversed with additional professional cleanings and improved at-home dental care, as long as the condition is diagnosed and treated early. Periodontitis, on the other hand, generally requires more involved, frequent treatment, and it is often not reversible.

If you have swollen, red, or tender gums, you may find it painful to chew. You may also develop persistent bad breath, as well as receding gums, which can make your teeth appear longer than normal. When you visit our office, our dentist will conduct a thorough examination and help determine whether you suffer from periodontal disease. Depending on the severity of the condition, our dentist may recommend additional cleanings, as well as periodontal-specific treatments such as scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or surgery. We strive to help you restore your oral health and halt the progress of the disease. We are pleased to provide several high-quality treatments for gum disease at our office. For more information on periodontal disease and our treatments, we welcome you to call or visit our office soon!