Seattle’s Downtown Dentist
Periodontics and Gum Therapy in Downtown Seattle
Periodontics at Seattle’s Downtown Dentist
Your gums are the foundation of your smile. When gums become inflamed, infected, or start to pull away from the teeth, the result can be bleeding, swelling, persistent bad breath, and over time, loose teeth and bone loss. Periodontics is the area of dentistry focused on diagnosing and treating these gum issues before they become serious. Catching gum disease early almost always means simpler treatment and better long-term outcomes.
At Seattle’s Downtown Dentist, we provide gentle, judgment-free periodontal care for patients across downtown Seattle, South Lake Union, Belltown, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and the surrounding neighborhoods. For advanced cases that require periodontal surgery or specialized care, we refer to trusted periodontists in the Seattle area and coordinate your care.
Why Gum Health Matters
Healthy gums form a tight seal around each tooth and protect the underlying bone. When plaque settles below the gumline, the body responds with inflammation. Left untreated, that inflammation creates deeper pockets where bacteria thrive, the bone holding your teeth in place can begin to recede, and teeth themselves can eventually loosen.
Gum disease has also been linked to broader health concerns including heart disease, diabetes complications, and certain pregnancy complications. The good news is that gum disease in its earliest stages (gingivitis) is reversible with the right care.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Care
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that have started to pull away from your teeth
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing
- Loose teeth or a change in the way your teeth fit together
- Sensitive teeth or exposed root surfaces
- Pus or a draining sore along the gumline
Our In-House Periodontal Services
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
When buildup has settled below the gumline and standard cleanings cannot reach it, scaling and root planing removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the root surfaces and smooths the roots so the gums can heal and reattach. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is comfortable for most patients.
Periodontal Maintenance
After scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance visits (typically every three to four months) help keep your gums on track. These visits are more thorough than a routine cleaning and target the areas most prone to recurring problems.
Ongoing Monitoring and Education
We track changes in pocket depth and gum health visit by visit, so you can see real progress over time. We also coach you on the home-care techniques most likely to make a difference for your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting tissues. In its earliest stage (gingivitis), the gums become inflamed and bleed easily but no permanent damage has occurred. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where bone loss begins and teeth can loosen over time. Early treatment almost always reverses or stops the progression.
Is the deep cleaning procedure painful?
Scaling and root planing is performed under local anesthesia, so most patients feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Mild tenderness for a day or two afterward is normal. Most patients describe the result as feeling significantly cleaner and less inflamed than before.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
A scaling and root planing visit usually takes one to two appointments depending on how much area is affected. Most patients then switch to periodontal maintenance every three to four months to keep things stable. Length of treatment varies by case.
Does insurance cover periodontal care?
Most major PPO dental plans cover periodontal services like scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance when medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan. Our team verifies your specific benefits before treatment.
Will my gums grow back after gum recession?
Lost gum tissue does not regrow on its own. However, periodontal treatment can stop the recession from progressing further. In cases where the cosmetic or functional impact of recession is significant, gum grafting (performed by a periodontist) may be recommended.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Yes, in its earliest stage. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with professional cleanings and improved home care. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) cannot be fully reversed, but it can be controlled and stabilized with treatment so the condition does not worsen.
How often should I come in for periodontal maintenance?
Most patients on a periodontal maintenance schedule come in every three to four months. The shorter interval helps prevent buildup from accumulating in areas prone to recurring problems. We adjust the schedule based on your individual response.
Do you handle advanced periodontal surgery?
For advanced periodontal cases that require surgical procedures like gum grafting, osseous surgery, or regenerative therapy, we refer to trusted periodontists in the Seattle area and help coordinate your care so the transition feels seamless.
What to Expect at Your Periodontal Visit
Comprehensive Gum Evaluation
We measure pocket depths around each tooth, check for bleeding, evaluate gum recession, and review X-rays to assess bone levels. This gives us a clear picture of where your gums stand.
Personalized Treatment Plan
We explain what we found in plain language and walk you through your options. For most patients, this includes scaling and root planing followed by a maintenance schedule. We share a clear cost estimate before any treatment begins.
Scaling and Root Planing
Under local anesthesia, we remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces so your gums can begin to heal. The procedure is comfortable for most patients.
Home Care Coaching
We show you the specific brushing and flossing techniques most likely to help your case, and recommend products that target your situation.
Follow-Up Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance visits typically every three to four months help keep your gums on track. We track your progress and adjust your plan over time.
