A guide to Gum (periodontal) Disease Treatment options

Gum (periodontal) disease may be widespread, but it is also easily preventable and treatable when detected and addressed in its earlier stages. Our treatments at Abel, Phan, & Associates in Sterling, Virginia, are multi-faceted and personalized to your needs, the extent, and the nature of the disease that is present. 

On the “front lines” 

Dental professionals like Drs Anna Abel and Chuong Phan represent front-line treatment. During regular visits, they evaluate the state of your teeth and the gums that support them. Additionally, our skilled hygienists measure the severity of active disease with specialized tools and use instruments to remove bacteria and plaque build-up. These and other baddies release toxins that inflame and destroy gummy and bony tissues if the disease is allowed to progress unabated. 

It is vital to maintain these appointments, as they help manage disease-causing substances and allow dentists to identify potential underlying problems and early-stage inflammation. These conditions often do not produce symptoms. The symptoms that arise can also be subtle. So, patients may think their gums are healthy because their mouth looks and feels fine. Not until the disease has advanced to its more severe form, periodontitis, that patients may notice bleeding, pain, swelling, and other symptoms. A “deep cleaning,” known as scaling and root planing (SRP), may be recommended to treat the existing disease when a standard clean is insufficient. SRP removes pathogens above and below the gum line and smooths out the root surfaces that attract plaque. 

Alternative treatments 

SRP may be all that is needed to restore the healthy attachments between your teeth and gums. We may also prescribe medications or medicated rinses to control active infections and promote healing. The surgical periodontal pocket reduction can be what the dentist orders if your gums do not respond adequately to the above interventions. We also partner with some of the area’s top specialists, including periodontists who have advanced training in treating gum disease. So, when you partner with Abel, Phan, & Associates for your oral care journey, you have an entire sophisticated team behind you. 

We look forward to meeting you! Call us at (571) 450-9848 to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Anna Abel

Dr. Anna Abel, a highly experienced dentist with over 20 years of expertise, is known for her patient-centered care and her dedication to volunteer work. She specializes in cosmetic dentistry, including veneers, bone grafts, and dental implants, and has been trained by influential figures like Dr. Peter Dawson. Her association with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and her global outreach through Operation Smile and Hope for Tomorrow, where she offers essential dental services to underserved communities, further highlight her profound knowledge and commitment to her profession.

Dr. Chuong Phan

Dr. Chuong Phan, a Howard University College of Dentistry graduate, brings over 20 years of expertise to his practice. Specializing in orthodontic treatment and root canal therapy, Dr. Phan has advanced his skills through training with the American Orthodontic Society and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dedicated to serving communities in need, Dr. Phan volunteers at Northern Virginia Dental Clinic and participates in global missions with Operation Smile and Hope for Tomorrow. His commitment to health education and community service reflects his compassionate, patient-centered approach to dental care.