Gum disease is one of the most common reasons patients come to us — and one of the most treatable when caught early. Dr. Jafari and the team at Inova Dental Clinic check your gums at every visit, so problems get addressed before they become serious. Call us at (703) 433-1400 or book online to get started.
Periodontics in Sterling, VA
Periodontics focuses on the gums, bone, and other tissues that hold your teeth in place. When those tissues become infected or inflamed — a condition called periodontal (gum) disease — the damage can progress quietly for months before you notice anything. Early treatment almost always means simpler, less involved care.
Our periodontics services include:
Gingivitis vs. periodontitis: what’s the difference?
Gum disease starts as gingivitis — red, puffy gums that bleed when you brush or floss. At this stage, a professional cleaning and better home care can often reverse it completely. Left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis, where the gum detaches from the tooth, pockets form, and bone loss begins. That’s when more involved treatment becomes necessary.
If you’re noticing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that look longer than they used to, those are signs worth having checked sooner rather than later.
How Dr. Jafari approaches gum disease
Dr. Jafari handles early-stage gum disease directly in our Sterling office. For patients with more advanced periodontitis, she works closely with a trusted periodontal specialist to make sure you get the right level of care. That same collaboration applies when implant placement is needed before an implant restoration — precise groundwork matters for long-term results.
What to expect at your visit
At every routine exam, your hygienist measures gum pocket depths and checks for early warning signs. If treatment is needed, Dr. Jafari will walk you through exactly what it involves and why — no surprises, no pressure. We see patients Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm, and Saturday mornings by appointment. Same-day visits are available for urgent concerns.
Frequently asked questions
What is gum disease?
Gum disease — also called periodontal disease — is an infection of the tissues surrounding your teeth. It ranges from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to serious infection (periodontitis) that can destroy the bone and soft tissue supporting your teeth. It’s very common and very treatable, especially when caught early.
What causes gum disease?
Bacteria in plaque are the root cause. When plaque isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and allows the infection to deepen. Smoking, genetics, diabetes, certain medications, and hormonal changes can all make someone more susceptible.
What are the signs I might have gum disease?
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Gums that appear to be pulling back from your teeth
- Loose teeth or a shift in how your bite feels
Some people have no obvious symptoms at first, which is why regular exams and cleanings matter.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis — the early stage — can often be fully reversed with a professional cleaning and consistent brushing and flossing at home. Periodontitis can’t be undone, but it can be controlled and stabilized with the right treatment, preventing further damage.
What does treatment involve?
For early gum disease, a thorough professional cleaning is usually enough. More advanced cases are typically treated with scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning that removes buildup from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so gums can reattach. Dr. Jafari will review your options before any treatment begins, so you know what to expect and why it’s recommended.
How do I keep gum disease from coming back?
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep your scheduled hygiene appointments — typically every three to six months depending on your history. Quitting tobacco and managing conditions like diabetes also make a meaningful difference. Dr. Jafari and the team will give you a maintenance plan that fits your situation.
If you have questions about your gum health or want to schedule an exam, call us at (703) 433-1400 or schedule a visit — we’re here Monday through Saturday.