Alexandria Gum Disease Dentist

Protect your smile with expert gum care

 

Gum disease is the leading cause of preventable tooth loss

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious health problem affecting over 47% of adults 30 years and older, and 70% of adults 65 years and older. Unfortunately, most people who have gum disease in Alexandria either haven’t been diagnosed or are not actively seeking treatment.

The result of untreated periodontal disease is tooth loss, which can cause severe systemic health issues. Don’t let this happen to you!

Common signs of gum disease

  • 5Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing
  • 5Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • 5Swollen, red, or tender gums
  • 5Receding gums exposing more of your teeth
  • 5Teeth that shift or feel loose over time
  • 5Pain when chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold

Stop disease progression early

Gum disease starts as mild inflammation but can quickly progress into advanced periodontitis if left untreated.

Protect your teeth and bone

As gum disease advances, it destroys the bone supporting your teeth. Treatment helps preserve your natural smile and avoid tooth loss.

Improve your overall health

Research links gum disease to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Restore comfort and confidence

Treating gum disease reduces pain, swelling, and bad breath, so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.

Treatments for gum disease

Our Alexandria gum disease dentist provides personalized periodontal care based on the stage and severity of your condition.

Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)

This non-surgical treatment is the most common and effective way to treat early-to-moderate gum disease.

  • 5Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline
  • 5Root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach and heal

This deep cleaning helps eliminate bacteria, reduce inflammation, and stop disease progression.

Periodontal maintenance

After treatment, regular maintenance cleanings are essential to keep infection from returning and maintain long-term gum health.

VA Alexandria gum disease dentist Grant H. Schneider II, DDS

Hear from our patients

We make paying for care simple

We participate with several major PPO plans, including Delta Dental Premier, Cigna, United Healthcare, and GEHA Connection Dental. Our team handles insurance filing on your behalf, helping you maximize your benefits without added stress.

We also accept cash, checks, and credit cards. No matter how you plan on financing care, we’ll clearly explain your options before any treatment begins.

Pay My Bill

Visit our Patient Portal to pay your bill(s) online!

Easy to visit, built for comfort

Building a foundation of trust by treating our patients as special individuals is vital to our success. We’ve created a space that’s welcoming and easy to access, with ample on-site parking and a free-standing building in a convenient Alexandria location.

We understand that some patients feel uneasy about dental visits, so we focus on making each experience as smooth and positive as possible.

Our Alexandria office

Monday–Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Friday: By appointment only. Please call for availability.

American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry

Join our dental family

Call us today at (703) 768-1223 to schedule your visit or request an appointment using the link below.

Answers to your questions about gum disease

What does gum disease look like?

The most obvious visual signs of Alexandria gum disease are bright red, swollen gums, and bleeding when you brush or floss. Other visual cues include teeth that start to look longer (called gum recession) and small black triangles between your teeth.

Does gum disease hurt?

Because periodontal disease causes inflammation, it can be painful. You may notice your gums feel tender to the touch or achy no matter what you’re doing.

Can salt water rinse cure a gum infection?

Although not an end-all solution, a saltwater rinse is a good way to soothe irritated gums. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of lukewarm water and swish gently before spitting it out.

How is gum disease treated without surgery?

In many cases, gum disease can be treated with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure removes bacteria and buildup beneath the gumline and helps your gums heal and reattach to your teeth. With proper follow-up care, many patients can avoid surgery.

How long does it take for gums to heal after treatment?

Healing time varies depending on the severity of the disease and the treatment. After scaling and root planing, most patients notice improvement within a few days, with continued healing over several weeks. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending follow-up visits will support faster healing and long-term results.