Gum Disease Treatment Woodbridge VA: Complete Guide to Periodontal Health

Gingivitis is the early stage. Your gums are red, puffy, and bleed when you brush or floss. There’s inflammation, but the bone and connective tissue holding your teeth in place haven’t been damaged yet. Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.

Periodontitis is what happens when gingivitis goes untreated. The inflammation spreads below the gumline. Bacteria colonize the pockets between teeth and gums. Your body’s immune response — trying to fight the bacteria — starts breaking down the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. Once bone is lost, it doesn’t grow back. The damage is permanent, but treatment can stop it from getting worse.

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing. Gums that have pulled away from teeth, making them look longer. Pus between teeth and gums. Loose teeth or a change in how your bite feels. Any of these warrant a periodontal evaluation.

For gingivitis and mild periodontitis, a deep cleaning — scaling and root planing — is usually the first line of treatment. The hygienist numbs the area and removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline, then smooths the tooth root to help gums reattach. This is typically done in two or four quadrants over multiple visits.

For more advanced periodontitis, Dr. Mai may refer you to a periodontist for surgical treatment: flap surgery to access deeper pockets, bone grafts to regenerate lost bone, or soft tissue grafts to cover exposed roots. She coordinates care with trusted specialists in the Woodbridge area.

After active treatment, periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months keep the disease under control. These are more thorough than routine cleanings and are essential — gum disease is a chronic condition, much like diabetes, that requires ongoing management.

Gum disease doesn’t stay in your mouth. The same bacteria causing gum inflammation enter your bloodstream and contribute to systemic inflammation throughout your body. Research has linked periodontitis to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory disease, and pregnancy complications. Treating your gums isn’t just about saving your teeth — it’s about protecting your overall health.

The screening is quick, painless, and included in every exam. If it’s been a while since your last checkup, now is the time. Dr. Christine Mai and the team at Hedgewood Dental have been helping Woodbridge patients manage gum health since 1997.

Call (703) 537-9201 or visit 13885 Hedgewood Dr STE 209, Woodbridge, VA 22193 .