
Gum Surgery at Northern Virginia Periodontics
Understanding and treating gum disease is crucial for your overall health.
If you’re experiencing swollen, bleeding gums, these symptoms aren’t normal—they’re signs of gum disease. Without proper treatment, bacteria-releasing plaque and tartar buildup between your teeth can cause this condition to progress rapidly.
Advanced symptoms may include severe gum recession, loose teeth, deepening pockets between teeth, persistent bad breath, and potential tooth loss.
When periodontal disease reaches this stage, simple treatments like antibiotics or scaling and root planing are no longer sufficient.
You’ll need comprehensive treatment through gum surgery at our Falls Church and Alexandria, VA locations to restore your smile’s health, function, and appearance.
Our experienced team at Northern Virginia Periodontics specializes in advanced gum disease treatment, with the expertise to fully rehabilitate your smile even in cases of advanced periodontal disease.

Why Consider Osseous Surgery?
For severe gum disease cases, osseous surgery serves two primary purposes: eliminating bacteria causing chronic gum infection or inflammation and reducing the deep pockets formed between teeth.
Creating a healthy, infection-free environment ensures your gums and bone maintain their function and prevents further tooth loosening or loss.
The benefits extend beyond oral health—treating gum disease can improve your overall well-being. Research has linked gum disease to several serious health conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Respiratory disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
The Benefits of Professional Treatment
When you choose Northern Virginia Periodontics for your gum surgery, you’ll experience a comprehensive approach to restoring your oral health. Our professional treatment offers immediate and long-lasting benefits that significantly improve your quality of life:
Restored Dental Function
Professional treatment restores your ability to eat and speak comfortably by stabilizing loose teeth and reducing gum sensitivity. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods again without pain or discomfort. The surgery also helps preserve your natural bite alignment, preventing future complications with your jaw joint and muscles.
Enhanced Smile Aesthetics
Healthy gums are the foundation of an attractive smile. Our surgical approach addresses both the health and appearance of your gums, correcting issues like uneven gum lines and excessive gum display. The procedure can also help reduce the appearance of elongated teeth caused by gum recession, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Improved Oral Health
The elimination of harmful bacteria and reduction of pocket depth significantly improves your oral health. You’ll notice immediate improvements in chronic bad breath and unpleasant taste in your mouth. More importantly, the treatment creates an environment where maintaining good oral hygiene becomes easier and more effective.
Long-term Health Benefits
Professional treatment at Northern Virginia Periodontics provides protection against future oral health problems and reduces your risk of systemic health complications. Our approach not only addresses current issues but also helps prevent future bone loss and tooth loss, saving you time and resources in the long run.
Expert Care from Specialized Professionals
Your oral health deserves the best care possible. Trust your smile to the board-certified experts at Northern Virginia Periodontics, where advanced training meets proven excellence in periodontal care. Our experienced team has completed extensive education and training beyond dental school to specialize in diagnosing and treating gum disease. This specialization makes us the experts in periodontal treatments, and we perform osseous surgery procedures daily at our Falls Church and Alexandria locations. Our comprehensive knowledge and experience specifically prepare us to treat patients with advanced gum disease and any resulting bone or tooth loss.
Understanding the Osseous Surgery Procedure
At Northern Virginia Periodontics, we believe in helping our patients fully understand their treatment. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect during the osseous surgery procedure.
Osseous Surgery
Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Before surgery, we conduct a thorough examination of your gums and bone structure using advanced imaging technology. This allows us to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. We’ll discuss any medications you’re taking and provide detailed pre-operative instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
The Surgical Process
The osseous surgery procedure involves several carefully executed steps:
Local Anesthesia Administration: We ensure your comfort by thoroughly numbing the treatment area. Additional sedation options are available for anxious patients.
Pocket Access and Cleaning: We gently separate the gums from the teeth to access the infected areas beneath. Using specialized instruments, we meticulously remove all plaque, tartar, and infected tissue from the tooth roots and surrounding bone.
Bone Recontouring: Any irregularities in the bone caused by periodontal disease are carefully smoothed and reshaped. This critical step helps eliminate bacteria-harboring crevices and creates an environment more conducive to healing. In cases of significant bone loss, we may recommend bone grafting to rebuild the supporting structures.
Tissue Adaptation: After cleaning and recontouring, the healthy gum tissue is trimmed and repositioned to fit snugly around the tooth roots. This reduces pocket depth and creates a more manageable environment for maintaining oral hygiene.
Securing the Treatment Area: The surgical site is secured with small sutures that help guide proper healing. We use materials designed to minimize discomfort and promote optimal tissue regeneration.
Recovery and Aftercare
The healing process is just as important as the surgery itself. We provide comprehensive post-operative care instructions, including:
- Detailed guidance on oral hygiene practices during healing
- Specific dietary recommendations
- Pain management strategies
- Schedule for follow-up appointments
- Long-term maintenance plan
Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days, though complete healing takes several weeks. During this time, you’ll have regular check-ups to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.
Schedule Your Consultation
Don’t wait to address your gum disease. Contact Northern Virginia Periodontics today at our Falls Church or Alexandria locations to schedule a consultation and learn more about how osseous surgery can help restore your oral health.