Gum Disease and Gingivitis Treatments in Bellevue, WA

Periodontal gum disease is a progressive condition that can increase in severity without proper care and maintenance. This oral infection occurs beneath the gumline, in periodontal pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums). It is propagated by bacterial plaque and the body's response to toxins produced by these harmful bacteria. Gum disease can lead to bone loss, tooth loss, and other health concerns if left untreated. When periodontal disease moves beyond the initial stage (gingivitis) into the stages known as periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, bone and tooth loss become very likely and can cause a variety of oral and general complications. As leading periodontists in the Seattle area, our team at Premier Periodontics is pleased to offer nonsurgical and advanced treatment options for care, including gingivitis treatment, scaling and root planing, perioscopy, and LANAP® laser gum surgery to improve your oral health. Please contact our Bellevue, WA office today to learn more and to schedule a consultation.

Periodontal treatment has many oral health benefits. Patients who undergo periodontal therapy can expect to experience the following:

Tartar removal: Any tartar left untreated may cause severe dental problems in the future. We remove these calcified deposits below the gumline with periodontal treatment to help optimize your oral health.

Identify other health issues: The condition of your mouth correlates with your overall health. Our team can identify issues during examinations that may help identify other potential oral health problems.

Fresher breath: Bad breath is a symptom of gum disease. Periodontal treatment can address this problem by removing food particles and bacteria beneath the gum line. Removal of the bacteria and food particles helps freshen breath.

Stunning smile: Periodontal therapy help keep your gums healthy. Healthy gums are an essential part of a great smile. You'll have clean gums to pair with your improved confidence and stunning smile.

Candidates for periodontal treatments may include those suffering from minor gum tissue inflammation to individuals with significant deterioration of the soft tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place. Whether your gum disease is in the early or advanced stage, now is the time to intervene and stop it in its tracks. Gum inflammation is often a sign of periodontal infection. You may also be a candidate for gum disease treatment if you have one or more of the following:

• Persistent bad breath
• Tender or red gums
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Bleeding gums
• Periodontal pockets
• Bone loss in the jaw

If you currently suffer from these or similar symptoms, please schedule an appointment at one of our Premier Periodontics offices in Bellevue, WA and other communities throughout Greater Seattle.

There are a variety of periodontal procedures that may be helpful in the battle against gum disease. The goal is to stop the disease from further damaging your health and preserve your bone and gum tissues. To evaluate the extent of your gum infection, our periodontists will use a small ruler referred to as a probe to check for and measure the spaces separating your gums and teeth (periodontal pockets). Digital x-rays will also be taken or reviewed to help our specialists confirm any bone loss or deterioration. This examination will help determine the type and extent of treatment necessary to address your condition.

Gingivitis treatment generally involves a thorough dental cleaning and good home care, while periodontitis is typically treated with a nonsurgical procedure called scaling and root planing(often referred to as a deep cleaning). We may also utilize an advanced technique known as perioscopy, which positions a small camera beneath the gums to give our practitioners visibility of plaque and tartar deposits. In advanced periodontitis cases, our skilled periodontal surgeons often use LANAP laser gum surgery, which offers a more minimally invasive approach and faster healing compared to traditional gum (perio) surgery protocols. Bone and soft tissue grafts may be considered for patients to replace damaged tissues once an active periodontal infection is treated and controlled.

The key to successful healing from many periodontal treatments is maintaining meticulous dental hygiene in the home and keeping with periodontal maintenance cleaning visits every 3 – 4 months (which replaces biannual "general" cleanings). We can coordinate and often alternate these cleaning visits with your general dentist. At your periodontal treatment appointment, our team will examine ways you can further benefit from treatment by altering, improving, or stopping some habits, like smoking (which can intensify the effects of periodontal disease).

Because periodontal disease treatment is customized according to the disease's severity (and the patient's needs), recovery timeframes and directions will differ. It is extremely important to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily to eliminate plaque and bacteria buildup between the teeth, and also visit Premier Periodontics often for exams and professional cleanings as recommended by our Seattle, WA periodontists.

Insurance coverage for gingivitis treatment, scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and other periodontal treatments varies by plan and company. Our team will review your policy to help you maximize the portion of your treatments paid for by your provider. If you do not have health insurance or incur personal expenses, Premier Periodontics takes a range of payment methods to help you fit your treatment within your budget. During your consult, feel free to ask us about our special 12-month financing option to meet your periodontal needs.

Can gum disease be cured?

Gum disease is a progressive condition, and without timely care, it can lead to bone loss and tooth loss and can have other effects on your general health. With proper treatment, gingivitis can be resolved. Periodontitis, however, cannot be cured, but it can be effectively treated and managed with professional periodontal disease treatment. Partnering with a specialist at Premier Periodontics can help save your oral health and smile from the effects of gum disease.

Why see a periodontist for gum disease treatment?

Periodontists have advanced, specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing all types of periodontal conditions. They are experts in performing gum surgery, nonsurgical periodontal treatments, and cosmetic periodontal procedures to improve the health of the gums, bone, and other tissues supporting the teeth. Seeing a periodontist for periodontal treatment is akin to visiting a cardiology specialist for a heart condition. If you need periodontal treatment in Seattle, WA, or the surrounding areas, please contact us today for a consultation.

Is periodontal treatment uncomfortable?

At Premier Periodontics, we strive to ensure all patients get the care they need in the most comfortable way possible. Before beginning a procedure, we numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic and offer sedation dentistry options to help further enhance patient comfort. We take extra measures to help create positive experiences for all those we treat.

What happens if I do not get periodontal treatment?

Periodontal conditions do not resolve on their own. Without timely treatment, gum disease and other periodontal conditions can continue to progress, leading to further breakdown of the structures that support the teeth. Gum disease has also been linked to a number of concerning systemic health conditions. Seeking prompt treatment is essential for preserving and protecting your health and wellness.

Though periodontitis is not curable, proper treatment and scheduled checkups by a skilled periodontal specialist can reduce periodontal pockets to help you manage your oral health. If you think you might be experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, please visit one of our periodontists in Bellevue, WA, or the Premier Periodontics location nearest you. To learn more about gum disease and the periodontal treatment options we provide, please contact our periodontal office today.