Synergy periodontals

PERIODONTICS

Improving smiles, one patient at a time

A periodontist specializes in the care, prevention and treatment of diseases that affect the periodontium. Dr. Thanos Dounis and Dr. Christos Gousias received three additional years of education beyond dental school to obtain the special skills and knowledge required to diagnose diseases of the periodontium and perform periodontal procedures such as tissue and root therapy, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting and placing dental implants.

Perio on the Go Videos

PERIDONTAL DISEASE

Periodontics is a specialized dental field that involves the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the gum and surrounding oral structures that support the teeth. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance consisting of saliva and food particles that forms on your teeth between brushings. The bacteria in plaque causes tooth decay, as well as gum disease, if it is not removed regularly with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. Plaque eventually mineralizes into calculus, also known as tartar, a hard, yellowish substance that adheres to the teeth and can only be removed by a dental hygienist at your 6 month checkup.

Good oral hygiene habits (regular brushing and flossing) are the best preventative mechanisms to fight plaque buildup daily and protect your gums from periodontics issues.

Gingivitis

Periodontal disease begins with inflammation in the gum tissue surrounding your teeth. The inflammation is referred to as gingivitis and the first symptoms are bleeding and swelling during brushing and/or flossing. You may not notice symptoms of gingivitis until you go to your dentist for a routine checkup. Good news – gingivitis is a curable condition. Brushing after each meal to remove food particles and residual sugar, as well as flossing every day, are the best tools to treat and reverse gingivitis. An electric toothbrush may also be recommended to get a more thorough daily cleaning of your gums and teeth.

Dentist gloved hand pulling patient's lip back to show red gums, representing treatment for gum recession

Signs of Gum Disease

The first signs of the early stages of gum disease are swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss. This is known as gingivitis. Bleeding gums are indicative of the presence of a mild bacterial infection, which is almost always reversible with good oral hygiene measures, such as brushing more frequently, flossing and antiseptic mouthwash. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can turn into a more serious condition known as periodontitis. This gum infection has the potential to break down the foundation of your teeth resulting in tooth loss.

Periodontal Treatments

Synergy Periodontics and Implants of Fredericksburg, VA provides periodontal treatments that include both surgical and nonsurgical techniques to restore the health of your gums and bone and help prevent tooth loss. Our doctors will examine your teeth and gums and determine the best treatment option for your unique needs. Treatments include:

Tissue and root therapy are nonsurgical techniques used to carefully remove plaque and calculus or tartar from periodontal pockets (beneath the gum tissue) using hand scalers or ultrasonic instruments.

Gum grafting is a procedure that allows the periodontist to collect healthy gum tissue from one area of the mouth and replace the areas of receded gum to protect exposed tooth roots.

Gum lift is a cosmetic procedure that quickly and safely recontours the gum to expose more of the tooth creating a more attractive smile.

Frenectomy is a simple procedure that removes the excess tissue that ties the lip to the jaw, allowing gaps in teeth to close during orthodontic treatment.

A frenum is a band of tissue that attaches the gums in the mouth to the lips and also the floor of the mouth to the tongue. Occasionally, this band of tissue is thicker than normal or attached too closely to the teeth and restricts the movement of the tongue or pulls the gum down on the lower front teeth. Synergy Periodontics and Implants is pleased to provide frenectomy procedures for patients who have a tongue-tie or lip-tie.

Periodontal tissue repair, also known as osseous surgery, is a surgical procedure used to smooth the surface of the root, reshape bone if it has been affected by bacteria and create a more shallow gum pocket to save your natural teeth.

Synergy Periodontics and Implants is dedicated to helping our patients maintain a healthy smile while achieving their personal smile goals. Maybe you feel self-conscious because your teeth are too small or you have a gummier smile than you would like. These aesthetic issues are an easy fix with a procedure called crown lengthening. This procedure allows us to recontour gum tissue to expose more of the crown of the tooth. The desired effect is a less gummy smile.

Crown lengthening is a procedure usually recommended to prepare a tooth for a restoration such as a new crown. Crown lengthening increases the length or height of a tooth by reducing the height of the surrounding gum tissue.

Crown lengthening may also be needed in cases of severe decay below the gum line or when a tooth is fractured or broken beneath the gum line. If your tooth needs a restoration, crown lengthening may be required to create enough surface area to support a restoration.

The procedure for crown lengthening is usually performed under local anesthetic and the healing time is approximately 4-6 weeks. Synergy Periodontics and Implants will give you post operative care instructions to ensure you make a full recovery.

Periodontal tissue regeneration is a technique used to help rebuild and regenerate bone that has been lost due to missing teeth.

Dental implants are the preferred method of tooth replacement. A minor surgical procedure is used to place titanium anchors in the jawbone beneath the gum line. Once the implant heals, a crown is placed on the anchor and looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth.

Before and after crown lengthening synergy periodontics

Crown Lengthening Before & After

Periodontal Patient Education Videos

Biopsy

A biopsy is a surgical procedure where the doctor removes an abnormal sample of tissue and sends it to the pathologist to have it evaluated. Causes can include oral cancer or noncancerous growths or lesions. This is performed under local anesthesia and the results are typically ready within days.

RISK FACTORS FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE

  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Misaligned or crowded teeth
  • Stress
  • Grinding and clenching teeth causes excess forces on the teeth which can break down the periodontal ligament and bone
  • Genetics
  • Fluctuating hormones as in puberty, pregnancy and menopause can temporarily increase the risk of gum disease
  • Certain medication for depression and high blood pressure can cause a dry mouth which can exacerbate the production of plaque and tartar
  • Poor nutrition
  • Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about your gum health or periodontal treatment? Our FAQ section is designed to give you clear, helpful answers. At Synergy Periodontics & Implants, our team believes in educating patients so you can feel confident in your treatment decisions and long-term oral health.

For patients that have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, it is recommended to follow a 3-4 month alternating schedule between our office and your general dentist office. This synergistic approach to your care allows us to monitor and maintain the foundation (gums and bone) while allowing your general dentist to continue monitoring the health of your teeth and any restorative needs.

Dr. Dounis and Dr. Gousias are both originally from Greece.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition (very much like diabetes or cardiovascular disease) that does not stabilize on its own, nor will it cure itself or just “go away”. It requires long term proactive monitoring to avoid tooth loss and other systemic issues.

Periodontal Maintenance is prescribed for patients that have a history of or active periodontal disease. Supportive periodontal care requires closer monitoring than patients without a history of periodontal disease. Periodontal visits often include more in depth evaluation and specialized gum treatment, not just a routine cleaning.

Your general dentist has done an examination and it was found that your case is in need of more specialized care. In order for your providers to provide excellent, interdisciplinary care, one of our board certified periodontists will complete a thorough evaluation focused on your gums, bone and supporting structures. This allows them to diagnose and plan the most effective periodontal treatment. Our expert doctors will communicate their findings and work in partnership with you and your general dentist for a safe and successful outcome.

What Our Patients Say

This is the most professional medical or dental office I have ever been associated with. Dr. Thanos Dounis’ attention to detail, skill, and engagement combined with the kindness and courtesy of the entire staff really set this practice apart. They have earned my complete confidence and respect.

Scott E.

There is no amount of space on here to express my gratitude towards synergy. As soon as you enter , the front desk greets you with lovely smiles. The dentist and hygienist are all compassionate about their work. The experience and ambiance is impeccable. And if you have any fear, synergy is the place to go. They will take care of you.

Marjorie N.

My hygienist Angie had recommended using the Tepe brushes instead of floss due to the large gaps between my teeth. What a difference this has made! Great checkups both here and at my regular dentist. I use them everyday faithfully. Thank you Angie!!!!

Cheryl G.
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Changing Lives

One Smile At A Time

Our commitment to conservative, patient-centered care is complemented by state-of-the-art technology and a dedication to ongoing education. We provide a warm, friendly environment and a strong connection to the community, and work to ensure that every patient receives exceptional care tailored to their unique needs. Request an appointment today to achieve the smile of your dreams!

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609 Emancipation Hwy, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

(540) 373-3066