If you’re looking for an experienced dentist or periodontist in the Washington, DC metro area, look no further than Perio & Implant at Washington Metro! Dr. Jean Li has more than a decade of periodontal experience, and uses only the highest quality materials in her work. She and our staff are dedicated to keeping track of the latest advancements in dentistry, meaning that you’ll get the most advanced technology along with our extensive experience. Dr. Li also has a background in biology and wound healing, which enables her to predict better outcomes for all her surgeries, from dental implants to gingivectomies and frenectomies.
We’re always glad to answer any questions you have about your dental and periodontal health. Some of the most commonly asked questions are listed here. If you have a question that isn’t answered on this website, feel free to contact us with it. Our goal is to make you an expert participant in your own dental care.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and tissues that surround the teeth. It typically occurs due to plaque and bacteria buildup on the gum line, and can be reduced with proper oral hygiene.
These two terms mean the same thing: an infection of the gums and tissues around the teeth. Specifically, however, “gum disease” typically refers to the early stage of gingivitis infection, which causes inflammation in the gums, while “periodontal disease” often refers to periodontitis, which is a more advanced infection that also impacts the bone surrounding the tooth.
The early symptoms of gum disease typically include red, swollen or tender gums that bleed whenever the teeth are cleaned. If left untreated for an extended time, these symptoms can eventually lead to much more serious conditions, including gum recession, loose teeth, chronic bad breath and even tooth loss!
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed into your jawbone to restore the root structure of a missing tooth.
Dental implants are unique in that they replace both portions of a missing tooth, as in the root and crown. Most other treatments only replace the crown. Once an implant post is securely placed within the jaw, an attachment called an abutment is connected directly to it. This is made of a sturdy metal, and it will be shaped like the tooth it is replacing. This will then be covered with an all-porcelain crown to make it appear more natural. Of course, dental implants are quite versatile, and depending on a patient’s particular needs, they can be used to restore everything from a single tooth to an entire mouth of teeth. Regardless of your tooth replacement needs, all restorations work using this same basic principle.
With the proper care (which includes brushing, flossing and regular checkups with your dentist), the implant posts themselves can easily last for 30 years or more. Depending on how a person maintains them, the restorations that the implants support can typically last anywhere from 10-15 years, but they often last much longer!
Our practice accepts all major PPO dental insurance plans, and we are also in-network with some of the nation’s largest providers. If you would like to know how we can work with your particular plan, please contact our office today, and we’ll answer all of your questions!
Dr. Li was drawn to the dental industry because she is driven to improve people’s health and the way they view themselves. When someone is proud of their smile, they smile more!
She began her dental education at the University of Detroit Mercy, where she earned her DDS degree. She then moved on to Rutgers University in New Jersey, where she completed her periodontics training. Dr. Li didn’t stop there: Not only did she become board-certified, but she achieved the position of Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. To maintain this status, she has to re-certify every six years, which guarantees that she is always up-to-date with the latest in dental and periodontal practices.
She provides an inclusive dental practice, providing exceptional periodontal care to the Washington, DC and Rockville, MD areas. She offers multilingual care in English, Mandarin Chinese and Korean.
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