Periodontics
Periodontal Procedures
At District Dental Surgery, we are proud to offer a wide range of periodontal procedures to our patients. This is in order to preserve the health of their teeth and gums and maintain their smile.
If you are in need of periodontal care, we encourage you to call our team today to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to discuss all of your treatment options with you and help you choose the best option to ensure the health of your smile.

What is Periodontics?
The Importance of Gum Health
Everyone knows that teeth are important because their benefits are quite obvious: chewing, speaking, and smiling. However, gums are just as important because they provide support and stability for your teeth. Therefore, it is essential to maintain healthy gums in order to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
The health of your gum tissue is also important for the health of your entire body. Studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and other health conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is likely due to the function of the gums acting as a seal around the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream. When this seal is compromised, plaque, tartar, and all sorts of bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, causing problems. Therefore, it is important to keep your gums healthy not only for the sake of your teeth but for your overall health as well.
Periodontal Disease
Sadly, periodontal disease, or gum disease, is quite common among adults in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that half of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue, caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar along the gum line. This accumulation of bacteria can irritate the gum tissue, causing the gums to recess and retreat from the base of the tooth. This causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums—completely out of reach from your toothbrush. Once bacteria begin to fill these pockets, the roots of the teeth can become exposed and damaged; eventually, the teeth will become loose and fall out.
- In its early stages, periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to call our office right away. Gingivitis is treatable with professional cleanings and good at-home oral hygiene habits. However, if gingivitis is not treated and progresses, it can turn into periodontitis.
- Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that presents once damage has been done to the gums and bone. Symptoms of periodontitis include receding gums, deep pockets between teeth and gums, loose teeth, and chronic bad breath. Periodontitis is not reversible, but it can be controlled with proper treatment.
- Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of periodontal disease and can lead to the loss of teeth. These symptoms are similar to those of periodontitis, however, the damage done is much more severe. At this stage, the gums and bone have been so damaged that the teeth are no longer securely anchored in place and will eventually fall out.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, it is important to call our office right away to schedule an appointment. The earlier the disease is caught, the easier it will be to treat.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Once periodontal disease has been diagnosed, there are a number of treatment options available. Treatment will depend on the severity of the disease. Our office offers both scaling and root planing treatment, as well as osseous surgery to treat periodontal disease.
- Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical treatment that involves the removal of tartar and plaque from both above and below the gum line. This can be done with either manual instruments or an ultrasonic scaler. Once all of the tartar and plaque have been removed, the roots of the teeth will be smoothed to allow the gums to reattach to the teeth.
- Osseous surgery is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of tartar and plaque from below the gum line, as well as the reshaping of the bone. This is often necessary when nonsurgical treatments have not been successful in treating periodontal disease.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, our office can help. We offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatments to help you get your gum health back on track. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t get treatment for gum disease as soon as possible, it will continue to progress and become much more difficult to treat. You may need surgery to correct the damage that has been done. In severe cases, you may even lose your teeth.
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Testimonials
What Patients Are Saying
Dr. Yousefi was fantastic. She was calm, funny, and capable. She immediately put me at ease (I was pretty anxious). I have never been numbed up so quickly and near painlessly – and the rest of the procedure was then painless, too. She and her team gave clear directions as to what to do for the next 24 hours and beyond, what to eat, how to care for the flipper temporary tooth, and answered all my questions. The staff called me the next business day to follow up and answered more questions that I had come up with by then. Highly recommend.
Phyllis R.
Sara is an excellent dental hygienist and really cares about her patients. She is very good at providing a regimen to help my gums. Dr. Eskow did my gum revision surgery years ago and he’s the best. I recently needed some more work done around the come on 12 and Dr. Eskow handled it beautifully, and his assistant Emily was great.. And the staff at the front desk always makes it a pleasant visit.
Mimi B.
My family and I have been patients for maybe 10-15 years! After trying a bunch of different dentists, we found Dr. Yousefi and have been happy with her team and their services ever since. She has helped us with minor issues as well as major long-term care, including a broken tooth and a few implants. The service has always been amazing, and we are very happy with the quality and expertise here. The new, amazing facilities with super convenient parking are just the cherry on top!
Dmitry K.
Two weeks post-surgery and I couldn’t recommend this office more. Both doctors are wonderful and clearly very experienced with a patient-first mindset. The office followed up frequently after my surgery to ensure I was recovering well and to answer any questions. After two weeks, I have no pain from the surgery and the gums have already healed up. If you are in need of any dental surgery work, I would 100% recommend this office!
Michael A.
I highly recommend Dr. Andrew Tong and the team at District Dental Surgery! Dr. Tong is an exceptional periodontist who combines professionalism, expertise, and compassion to deliver top-notch patient care. His outstanding communication skills and genuine concern for his patients’ well-being, along with the team’s professionalism, make for a truly exceptional experience. Sara, the hygienist, is also fantastic – her gentle and meticulous approach puts patients at ease. I’m so grateful to have found a dental team that truly prioritizes patient care and comfort!
Guncha K.
Sholto S.
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Raha Yousefi for over two years, and she is truly one of the best. From day one, her professionalism and genuine care for her patients were evident. Dr. Yousefi’s expertise in dentistry is outstanding, and she takes the time to explain every step of the treatment, ensuring I feel comfortable and informed. Her warm and compassionate personality makes every visit a pleasant experience, and it’s clear she deeply values her patients. The staff at her practice is equally amazing—always friendly, professional, and welcoming. I highly recommend Dr. Yousefi to anyone seeking a dentist who combines professional excellence with heartfelt care.
Cezanne B.
District Dental Surgery Locations

Washington, DC
(Formerly Known as District Perio)
1828 L St NW Suite 860 Washington, DC 20036
