Last updated 7 months ago
Periodontal disease can be anywhere from mild to severe, depending on how far the condition has progressed. Perhaps the largest tragedy regarding advanced periodontal disease is that the disease is entirely preventable through regular oral hygiene and visits to your family dentist. It is crucial, therefore, to recognize the signs and symptoms of early periodontal disease so that you can address the problem before it gets out of hand:
Early Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest stage of gum disease. Your dentist can help you completely reverse gingivitis with conservative treatment techniques that include strict attention to oral hygiene. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that may be tender or bleed easily. Sometimes, however, gingivitis will occur with symptoms that are not obvious to you, but are easily recognized by your dentist.
Moderate Periodontal Disease: Periodontitis
Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis has progressed without treatment. At this stage, the structures that support your teeth begin to experience damage. Pockets form between the gums and the teeth, allowing bacteria to become trapped and further escalating the disease. Your dentist can provide treatment to heal the gums and stop the progression, but any damage to the fibers and bone structure is typically irreversible.
Severe Periodontal Disease: Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe form of periodontal disease. The fibers that support your teeth, along with some of the bone, are irreparably and completely destroyed. At this stage, tooth loss is common, and you may experience some shifting that can affect your bite. Aggressive treatment is required at this stage, and even this may not be enough to avoid extraction.
The best way to treat periodontal disease is to avoid it. Come see us at South Riding Family Dentistry in Herndon if you are due or past due for a dental checkup. Our family dentists can assess your oral health and advise you on what actions to take in order to maintain or improve your smile. Call us today at (888) 802-1571 for more information.
Last updated 7 months ago
Taking care of your teeth is important for your overall health, so get informed about all you can do to care for your smile by reading through these helpful resources. Whether you need restorative work, cosmetic care, orthodontic procedures, or a general dental checkup, the family dentists here at South Riding Family Dentistry can help. Call us to learn more at (888) 802-1571.
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Have you had an oral cancer screening performed recently? The Mayo Clinic provides the facts on oral cancer.
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The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine discusses sleep appliances for treating obstructive sleep apnea.
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HowStuffWorks.com provides 10 facts you should know if you are considering adult braces.
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Dental phobia is overwhelmingly common—read about it on this helpful webpage.
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What is tartar? Get the answer to this question and more by visiting this page from Colgate.com.
Last updated 7 months ago
There are many braces options out there, but one of the most overwhelmingly popular options is Invisalign. Many cosmetic dentists recommend Invisalign to teens and adults whose orthodontic problems aren’t severe, and many people love Invisalign for a number of reasons, including:
Increased Comfort
Invisalign is a much more comfortable treatment option than traditional metal braces. Invisalign utilizes smooth, clear plastic trays that are computer-generated and custom-fitted to your mouth. Not only does Invisalign cause less gum irritation, but it also causes less discomfort after each new fitting. This is because Invisalign exerts less force than traditional braces.
Subtle Treatment
Invisalign is virtually invisible—you may notice a bit more shine in your smile than usual, but it is very subtle and virtually undetectable in photographs. For people who want to put their best face forward, Invisalign is a great option. Teens especially love this unnoticeable braces option, as do adults who are involved in entertainment or business industries. Invisalign is also ideal for those who simply want to look their best while getting great orthodontic care.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning your Invisalign trays is easy—you simply brush your Invisalign trays with a toothbrush. Other users opt for an ultrasonic machine that uses a mild detergent to clean Invisalign trays very thoroughly.
Less Restriction
Invisalign is removable, which provides a number of advantages. You can remove your Invisalign trays while you are eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. This means you can still eat the foods you love without worrying about breaking a bracket or damaging arch wires. You can also maintain your regular oral hygiene routine, which helps to ensure your teeth don’t become stained or damaged.
Are you ready to explore your orthodontic options? We at South Riding Family Dentistry can help! To chat with one of our friendly cosmetic dentists or to make an appointment at our Chantilly-area office, call us at (888) 802-1571.
Last updated 8 months ago
A dental x-ray is a great example of how far modern dental technology has come. Gone are the days of simply searching for cavities with the naked eye—dental x-rays are now an everyday part of dental procedures, and family dentists find them extremely useful in detecting the following:
Dental Decay
Detecting cavities is an extremely useful function of the dental x-ray. X-rays show areas of decay that your dentist may not be able to see with just a visual examination, such as tiny pits of decay that might occur between teeth. X-rays can also be used to find decay developing underneath an existing filling, which is nearly impossible to detect without an x-ray. Additionally, they can be used to spot cracks or other damage to existing fillings. Dental X-rays can also reveal problems in the root canal, such as infection.
Bone Loss
Many people grind their teeth at night due to stress, which results in bone loss. A good portion of these people may not even be aware of the problem, but dental x-rays can be used to detect bone loss as a result of grinding. They can also be used to spot bone loss due to other causes, such as osteoporosis and infections that occur in the root of the teeth or around the gum line.
Tumors and Cysts
Dental x-rays can potentially offer lifesaving benefits. While tumors of the jaw bone are often benign, some are malignant and should be treated as soon as possible. Because bone cysts and tumors often present no symptoms, it is crucial to have dental x-rays performed on a regular basis to check for these issues.
If you or your family needs a dental appointment in the Chantilly area, come to the friendly offices of South Riding Family Dentistry. We offer a wide range of family and cosmetic dental services and procedures, so call us for an appointment today at (888) 802-1571.
Last updated 8 months ago
Cosmetic dentistry refers to a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your smile through a number of non-invasive and surgical procedures. An experienced cosmetic dentist can determine if you are a candidate for cosmetic dental procedures, which may offer the following benefits:
1. Improve Overall Oral Health
While most individuals consider a routine teeth cleaning as a general dentistry service, a number of cosmetic dentists offer cleaning and scaling procedures in order to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This ultimately improves the overall condition and integrity of your smile.
2. Whiten Your Teeth
Professional teeth whitening procedures are among the most common cosmetic dentistry services performed today. Teeth whitening may be right for you if you are suffering from extremely discolored or stained teeth.
3. Treat Bad Breath
Your cosmetic dentist will focus on improving all aspects of your mouth and teeth, including chronic bad breath or halitosis. A qualified dentist will not only identify the cause of your bad breath, but will also offer suggestions such as avoiding certain foods, keeping your mouth moist, and improving your hygiene practices. Your dentist may also be able to determine if your bad breath is the result of an underlying health condition.
4. Restore Your Smile
Cosmetic dentistry can help to restore your smile through the use of porcelain veneers and dental implants. Unlike dentures or removable bridges, dental implants can be used to replace teeth that have been lost due to decay, periodontal disease, or trauma.
Whether you’re interested in improving the color of your teeth or obtaining dental implants, our cosmetic and family dentists with South Riding Family Dentistry are here to help. Get on the road to a better smile by contacting our Herndon- and Chantilly-area office at (888) 802-1571.
