Dr. Karapetian and all of the staff are great at what they do. I have been a client for many years.
Not sure if you need a periodontist? Below, we answer the most common questions about periodontal care, from what a periodontist does to when it’s time to book a visit.
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating gums, bone, and the surrounding periodontal structures. A periodontist has an additional three years of training beyond the four years in dental school. Given the advanced training, a periodontist is well equipped to place dental implants and treat even the most complex cases of periodontal disease.
Conventional dentists can prevent, diagnose, and treat numerous oral health conditions. Periodontists have specialized training to care for your gums, supporting structures of the teeth, and issues related to dental implants. While a traditional dentist handles everyday dental problems, a periodontist deals with complex dental issues, including severe periodontitis, gum recession, and bone loss.
Periodontists are adequately trained to administer scaling and root planing (SRP), gum grafts, bone regeneration, implant surgery, and other advanced treatments. Ultimately, a periodontist offers the expertise required for more severe cases, ensuring the best outcomes for your long-term oral health.
Gingivitis is the earliest form of periodontal disease, characterized by swollen, red, tender gums that bleed easily when brushing. It is reversible with standard cleanings and optimal oral hygiene. Gingivitis occurs when poor oral hygiene causes dental plaque to build up, although hormonal changes and suppressed immunity can also contribute to this condition.
If left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis. Here, the plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which creates deeper pockets between the teeth and gums, trapping more bacteria. This stage is treatable with non-surgical treatments like deep teeth cleaning and localized antibiotics.
Uncontrolled gum disease advances to full-blown advanced periodontitis. Continued bacterial infection destroys the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth. At this stage, teeth loosen and eventually fall out. The periodontist administers advanced treatments like flap surgery, bone grafts, or soft tissue grafts to restore gum and bone health. In some cases, tooth extraction and replacement with dental implants is necessary.
Periodontists combine training, experience, and cutting-edge technology to handle numerous dental issues. Visit a periodontist if you have the following:
Are you in Burke, Virginia, or nearby locations? If so, call (571) 569-7540 to schedule an appointment with Washington Periodontics. We welcome new and recurring patients, and no referrals are needed!
Begin your journey to better oral health at Washington Periodontics. Our periodontic specialist clinic is located at 9004 Crownwood Ct Ste A, Burke, VA 22015 and is open Monday 9:00 am- 3:00 pm and Tuesday through Thursday from 7:00 am- 4:00 pm.
If your gums require intervention or you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with our team today by calling (571) 569-7540 or booking an appointment online.
The best way to preview the quality of care we offer at Washington Periodontics is to listen to what real patients have to say. Check out their reviews below!
Dr. Karapetian and all of the staff are great at what they do. I have been a client for many years.
Marilyn Lund
Personal attention,makes you feel at ease, and professional and helpful staff.
karen fink
Superb service as always, very professional !
Ron Mahaffey
Everything went well. You all are great. It is always nice to visit.
Richard D. Hamly
Great Visit at Washington Periodontics! Complete, professional, friendly, efficient, and painless!
Robert Leininger
We love Dr K and her staff!
Cyndi N
Our patients’ results speak for themselves. Read what they have to say about their experience with Dr. Karapetian and the Washington Periodontics team.
Dr. Karapetian works alongside your practice to provide periodontal and implant care, then returns your patient to you for their ongoing hygiene and restorative needs — with clear communication at every step.
We work as an extension of your team — treating the periodontal and surgical side so you can stay focused on your patient's overall care.
Routine referrals within 5 business days. Urgent or infected cases seen same or next day. (pending Dr. Karapetian confirmation)
Consult letter, post-op note, healing update, and restorative-ready notice — sent automatically. (pending confirmation this is a live process)
Tell us your restorative plan and we'll place to it. Call our direct line to discuss a case first.
