Are your gums red, swollen, or bleeding when you brush? Do you have persistent bad breath or notice that your teeth look longer than they used to? These are signs of periodontal (gum) disease.
Gum disease affects nearly half of American adults aged 30 and older. It’s caused by harmful bacteria in plaque and tartar that trigger chronic inflammation, destroying the gum tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place.
At Montgomery Dental Associates & Implantology Center, Dr. Mark Hagigi provides comprehensive periodontal treatment designed to stop the disease, restore your dental health, and save your natural teeth. With NYU-trained expertise, gentle techniques, and advanced laser therapy options, your comfort and long-term oral health are our priorities.
Why Choose Dr. Hagigi for Periodontal Treatment?
- NYU-Trained Expertise. Dr. Hagigi is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry, with advanced training in restorative dentistry and implantology. He understands the intricate relationship between gum health and overall oral wellness.
- Comprehensive, Personalized Care. Every patient receives a thorough exam and a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific stage of gum disease.
- Advanced Laser Therapy. For appropriate cases, Dr. Hagigi offers laser-assisted periodontal treatment that targets bacteria while preserving healthy tissue. This means less pain, faster healing, and no cutting or stitches.
- Anxiety-Free Approach. Dr. Hagigi built his practice around nervous patients. He’s known for his calm, conversational approach and takes the time to explain every step. Sedation options are available for those who need extra help relaxing.
- Convenient Location & Hours. Located at 15200 Shady Grove Rd., Suite 208 in Rockville, we’re easily accessible from throughout Montgomery County.
- Flexible Financing. We offer CareCredit, LendingClub, and LendingPoint financing. Some options include 0% interest for qualified patients.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth (recession)
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus between your teeth and gums
Gum disease often progresses without pain. By the time you feel discomfort, significant damage may have already occurred. Regular dental exams are essential for early detection.
Periodontal Treatment Options at Montgomery Dental Associates
Dr. Hagigi offers a full range of periodontal treatments, from conservative deep cleanings to advanced laser therapy. The right treatment depends on the severity of your condition.
Periodontal Maintenance (Prophylaxis)
For patients with mild gingivitis or a history of gum disease, regular maintenance cleanings remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. These appointments typically occur every 3 to 4 months.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
For early to moderate periodontitis, scaling and root planing remove bacteria and calculus from deep gum pockets and smooth the tooth roots, helping the gums reattach to the teeth.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy
For patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis, Dr. Hagigi offers laser treatment that:
- Targets and eliminates bacteria without damaging healthy tissue
- Seals gum pockets to prevent reinfection
- Stimulates natural bone and gum regeneration
- Results in less pain, swelling, and faster recovery than traditional surgery
- Is safer for patients with diabetes, heart disease, or other health concerns
Antibiotic Therapy
Localized antibiotics may be placed directly into infected gum pockets to eliminate bacteria and promote healing.
Periodontal Maintenance (Ongoing Care)
After active treatment is complete, most patients require maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months to prevent disease recurrence. These visits include pocket depth measurements, professional cleaning, and personalized home care guidance.
What to Expect During Your Periodontal Treatment
Step 1: Comprehensive Examination
Dr. Hagigi will perform a thorough gum evaluation, including measuring your gum pocket depths, taking digital X-rays, and assessing any bone loss. This allows him to determine the exact stage of your disease and recommend the most effective treatment.
Step 2: Customized Treatment Plan
Based on your examination, Dr. Hagigi will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, health history, and goals.
Step 3: Treatment
Depending on your condition, treatment may include scaling and root planing, laser therapy, or a combination of approaches. We ensure you’re comfortable throughout with local anesthesia and sedation options.
Step 4: Healing and Follow-Up
Most patients notice reduced gum inflammation and bleeding within 1 to 2 weeks. Complete healing and tissue reattachment typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. Dr. Hagigi schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Step 5: Ongoing Maintenance
To keep your gums healthy in the long term, we’ll recommend a personalized 3-4 month maintenance schedule.
Patient Review
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease:
- Smoking or tobacco use significantly increases risk and impairs healing
- Uncontrolled diabetes makes gum disease more likely and harder to treat
- Gum disease is linked to increased cardiovascular risk and heart disease
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive
- Some medications cause dry mouth, increasing the risk
- Some individuals are predisposed to gum disease regardless of their oral hygiene
- Chronic stress can weaken the immune system
If you have any of these risk factors, regular periodontal evaluations are especially important.
Periodontal Treatment and Your Overall Health
Gum disease is not just a dental problem. It’s a medical one. Research has established strong links between periodontal disease and:
- Heart disease and stroke: Inflammation from gum disease may contribute to clogged arteries
- Diabetes complications: gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar
- Respiratory disease: bacteria from infected gums can be inhaled into the lungs
- Pregnancy complications: gum disease has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight
Treating gum disease is about protecting your whole body.
Periodontal Treatment Cost & Insurance in Rockville, MD
- Periodontal Maintenance Visit: $100 – $250
- Scaling and Root Planing (per quadrant): $200 – $400
- Full Mouth Debridement: $300 – $600
- Laser Gum Therapy: $800 – $2,500 per quadrant
Note: These are estimated ranges before insurance. We will provide a clear treatment plan during your consultation.
- Insurance Coverage: Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment, particularly scaling and root planing. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
- Financing Options: We accept CareCredit, LendingClub, and LendingPoint financing. Some options include 0% financing for up to 24 months for qualified patients. We also accept cash, credit/debit cards, and most major PPO insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and UnitedHealthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
Dr. Hagigi and our team prioritize your comfort. Before beginning any procedure, we ensure the area is properly numbed with local anesthetic. For patients with dental anxiety, we offer sedation options. Most patients report minimal discomfort during treatment, and any post-procedure sensitivity typically subsides within a day or two.
How soon will I notice improvement after treatment?
Most patients notice reduced gum inflammation and bleeding within 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Complete healing and tissue reattachment typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. Dr. Hagigi schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.
Does Dr. Hagigi offer laser treatment for gum disease?
Yes, Dr. Hagigi offers laser-assisted periodontal therapy for appropriate cases. This minimally invasive approach targets bacteria while preserving healthy tissue. This means less discomfort and faster healing compared to traditional methods. During your consultation, Dr. Hagigi will determine if you’re a good candidate for laser treatment.
How frequently will I need maintenance visits after completing treatment?
For most periodontal patients, Dr. Hagigi recommends maintenance visits every 3-4 months. These appointments include professional cleaning, assessment of your periodontal health, and adjustments to your home care routine. This schedule helps prevent disease recurrence and monitor for any changes that require additional intervention.
Will my dental insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for periodontal treatment. Our office staff will verify your benefits before treatment begins and provide you with a clear cost estimate. For patients without insurance or with limited coverage, we offer payment plans to help make your treatment more affordable.
Can periodontitis be reversed?
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Once periodontitis has developed and bone loss has occurred, the disease can be controlled but not reversed. However, with proper treatment and maintenance, you can stop the progression of the disease and prevent further bone loss and tooth loss.
What’s the difference between a general dentist and a periodontist?
Periodontists are dental specialists who focus exclusively on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, as well as the placement of dental implants. They complete three additional years of training beyond dental school. While Dr. Hagigi is a general dentist, his advanced training at NYU and years of experience enable him to treat a wide range of periodontal conditions effectively.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Yes. Research has established links between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The inflammation caused by gum disease can affect your entire body. Treating gum disease is an important step in protecting your overall health.
Protect Your Gums and Your Smile
Gum disease doesn’t get better on its own. It only gets worse. The longer you wait, the fewer options you have to save your teeth.
Call Montgomery Dental Associates & Implantology Center today at (301) 679-7786 during business hours. You can also request an appointment online for a prompt response within one business day.
We proudly serve patients from Rockville, Potomac, North Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, and all across Montgomery County.
