Diagnosis

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination.  This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.

A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.  The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed.  The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.  Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Periodontitis

Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar).  As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth.  Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus.  The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily.  Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

Advanced Periodontitis

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed.  Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost.  Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

DENTAL IMPLANTS
WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws.

Implants

Our Services

Whether your dental needs are a complete exam and cleaning, a full-mouth restoration, or anything in between, we promise to provide you with exceptional care as we enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Below are just some of the many procedures and services we regularly provide to our patients – with a gentle touch and stunning results. Your smile is our first priority, and we’ll give you something to smile about.

Meet the Doctors

Dr-Moore

Dr. French Moore III, DDS

Dr. Moore was born and raised in Abingdon, Virginia. He earned his B.S. in Biology from James Madison University and his D.D.S. from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry in Richmond in 1982. Upon graduation, he married Laura, the love of his life, and moved to Germany to serve three years...

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Dr-Laningham

Dr. Stuart Lee Laningham, DDS

Dr. Laningham grew up in Lee County, Virginia on the farm that has been home to six generations of his family. Upon graduation from high school, he attended the College of William & Mary, then transferred to the University of Virginia, where he received his Bachelor’s in Biology and graduated with honors...

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Dr-Mavelil

Dr. Benjamin Mavelil, DDS

Dr. Mavelil was born and raised in Dubai. He was born to Indian first-generation immigrants and has two brothers. He moved to India after high school to pursue dentistry. He completed 5 years of dental training and went on to complete a residency in Orthodontics...

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Dr-Mirpanah

Dr. Jacob Mirpanah, DDS

Dr. Jacob Mirpanah grew up in Ashburn, Virginia and is very excited to be moving to the area with his wife, Dr. Sofie Fazel. He attended the University of Virginia, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology. In Charlottesville, Dr. Mirpanah involved himself heavily in volunteer work. Both local, in the form of Mission...

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