Periodontist FAQ's

• Who is a periodontist?

The word “periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Accordingly, a periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the knowledge, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of the tissue around the teeth, namely the gums. Periodontists are skilled in treating and helping their patients manage periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis, gingival recession, also known as gum disease and gum recession. Some periodontists, including Dr. Khang, also specialize in dental implants to remedy missing teeth and maintain their patients' oral health and quality of life.

• Do I need to see a periodontist?

There are several reasons why you may need to schedule an appointment with a periodontist. Recent studies have shown that various aspects of health may be directly affected by the health of your gums. These health concerns could include cardiovascular health, heart disease, auto-immune disease, diabetes, premature birth and low birth weight in infants, and miscarriage. Gum disease is also a serious condition that could cause the bones and tissues anchoring teeth in place to dissolve, causing tooth loss. If you are concerned that the overall health of your gums may be affecting your health or if you are planning to become pregnant, please visit us today so that we can evaluate your periodontal condition.

• What is periodontitis?

Commonly known as “gum disease,” periodontitis is essentially a disease that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth—or the gums. These diseases include gingivitis, mild periodontitis, and moderate to advanced periodontitis. In any case, if left untreated for too long, these gum diseases could cause the bone and tissue around the teeth to dissolve or erode, eventually leading to the loss of teeth. Generally, a periodontist must undergo several years in a residency program after finishing dental school. There is also additional certification process to become Diplomat of the board of Periodontology. Dr. Khang is extremely qualified to take care of even the most sensitive periodontitis cases.

• What factors contribute to periodontal disease?

In essence, periodontitis is a bacterial infection caused by plaque buildup; there are several factors that contribute to its cause and severity. Many of these risk factors are preventable, and include tobacco use, poorly controlled diabetes, a diet low in nutrients, and lifestyle choices. There are also some conditions that make a person more susceptible to gum disease, including genetics, autoimmune or systemic diseases, hormonal changes, bruxism (clenching of the teeth), and certain medications.

• What are the signs of periodontal disease?

There are many symptoms that indicate gum disease. The following are the most common, but may be experienced differently depending on the individual and the severity.

• Bleeding while brushing/flossing
• Redness, swelling, tenderness in gums
• Receding gums
• Continuously odorous breath
• Pus present near teeth and gums
• Change in bite/jaw alignment
• Loose teeth, separating teeth
• A change in the fit of dentures

• What can I do to avoid periodontal disease?

There are several simple measures that you can take to avoid periodontal disease. The following actions will help remove plaque from your teeth, thereby preventing periodontal diseases.

• Brush your teeth properly, twice per day
• Floss every day
• Visit a dentist for a cleaning/checkup every six months

Either through improper oral hygiene or through no fault of one's own, it may become necessary to visit a periodontist. If you are experiencing the symptoms of periodontitis, please schedule an appointment at the Perio Implant Center so that we can correct your situation and ease the discomfort you are feeling.

• What are dental implants and what can they do for me?

Among the best treatments for missing teeth, dental implants act as a long-term replacement, resembling and functioning exactly like real teeth. In essence, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement, resembling one tooth or even a group of teeth. Today, most dental implants are “osseointegrated,” meaning that the implants are fused into the jawbone, never slipping out, never decaying, and looking like natural teeth. Often, with proper care, dental implants will last a lifetime.

• What are the advantages of dental implants over
dentures or bridges?

Dentures and bridges are often not the most effective solution for missing teeth. They may put more pressure on natural teeth, causing them damage in the long run, and they have the potential to slip, interfering with the your mouth's natural functions. Implants have many benefits. They are virtually unnoticeable, take the pressure off of the natural teeth, do not slip, and increase chewing ability.

• Am I a candidate for dental implants?

If you are missing a tooth or teeth for any reason, you are a candidate for dental implants. Whether you were born without all of your teeth or you have lost teeth due to injury or oral health issues, you may benefit from dental implants. To ensure that the procedure is safe and successful, however, there are a few requisites to implant surgery.

First, we recommend that patients maintain a stable, controlled state of health before undergoing surgery. This is not to say that a patient with a chronic health complication, such as diabetes, is not eligible for implants. We simply recommend that the patient's condition be stable and under control. Second, a patient must have a certain amount of high quality bone available in which to place the implant. Let us take a look at your case, evaluate your situation, and determine if you are eligible for implants. It is very likely that we can help you.

• What is implant treatment procedure like?

The procedure involves several steps. First, a very small hole is drilled in the jaw bone where the implant will be placed. A titanium screw will be placed in this hole, allowing a dental implant to be held in place.

Next, the hole is slowly widened, allowing the titanium screw to be placed in the bone. The implant site is then covered and given time (anywhere from 3 to 6 months) to heal and anchor to the bone, a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has healed, a temporary crown is placed over the dental implant to allow the gum to grow and shape around the soon-to-be implant naturally. When the gum has formed, a permanent crown replaces the temporary one.

• What can I expect after implant treatment?

As with any surgery, there may be some discomfort associated with the procedure. Discomfort is reduced as much as possible through anesthetics and sedation during the procedure. Afterward, the doctor will prescribe necessary medication to help ease any discomfort a patient may feel. We will follow up with you after your surgery to ensure that you are doing well and recovering properly. Overall, most patients who have undergone dental implantation have reported little discomfort following the procedure.

• What insurance do you accept?

We participate in most dental insurance plans.

Please call our office to check eligibility. 703-648-0500

• Do you offer any financial plans?

We have private lenders with possible interest free health loan programs available, dependant upon credit history.

Please call our office for details. 703-648-0500

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