SEATTLE’S TOP EXPERTS

PERIODONTAL SERVICES IN SEATTLE

SEATTLE’S TOP EXPERTS

PERIODONTAL SERVICES

Periodontal disease – or more commonly known as gum disease – is the most common dental affliction today.

A healthy smile starts with healthy gums, yet many people overlook the importance of periodontal care until problems arise. Gum disease, if left untreated, can affect not only the health of your gums but also your overall well-being. Fortunately, with the right periodontal treatments, you can restore and protect your gums, ensuring your smile stays vibrant for years to come.

At Seattle Dental Studio, we believe that a healthy smile starts with healthy gums. Our periodontal services are designed to address gum health with precision and care, whether you’re dealing with early signs of gum disease or need advanced treatment. Using cutting-edge technology and a patient-focused approach, we offer customized solutions to restore and maintain your gum health. Conveniently located in Seattle, we’re here to help you protect your smile for years to come.

WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE?

Our mouths provide a home to millions of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. Bacteria form a sticky substance, plaque, that adheres to the teeth. Brushing and flossing aim at removing plaque before it mineralizes into tartar. Tartar becomes a colony for more bacteria and adds to their population, pumping out toxins into the gums.

Gums react to this bacterial invasion with an inflammatory response under the direction of the immune system. Around the base of each tooth, a small collar of gum tissue exists that forms a small crevice or pocket. This warm, dark environment provides a perfect habitat for deeper tartar and bacterial penetration, with their toxins seeping into the base of the collar.

Early inflammation results in bleeding gums, known as gingivitis. Bacteria left untreated and undisturbed successfully create a chronic infection in the gum collar. In many cases, the bone begins to deteriorate around the teeth as the bacteria burrow deeper into the gums. While gums may be slightly tender at this stage, there’s generally minimal discomfort as the bone dissolves.

More than 50% of the bone around your teeth can disappear before any signs of looseness or pain begin to appear. The bone around teeth never regenerates, so this loss becomes permanent and harder to control as the bacteria hide deeper into the gums. Untreated gum disease leads to abscesses and generalized tooth loss in many advanced cases.

How We Diagnose at Seattle Dental Studio

We draw on objective clinical data to form a gum disease diagnosis and to grade the condition. The small collar of gum tissue around each tooth usually sits 2-3 millimeters deep, a small crevice easily cleaned by floss or toothpicks. Dr. Dbouk or our hygiene team can measure and chart multiple areas using a small measuring device. If these measurements register beyond 3 millimeters and include bleeding areas, the disease is present. Deeper findings indicate more advanced disease than shallower readings.

Dr. Dbouk will also consider the texture and shape of your gums, and any movement detectable in each tooth. It’s also vital to examine the levels, shape, and density of the bone around your teeth on digital X-rays. By drawing together numerous findings, a clear picture forms about your gum condition.

Why Does Gum Maintenance Matter?

Regular home care is critical to arrest the progression of gum disease. Within a few hours of careful cleaning, the bacteria begin to repopulate and adhere to the teeth. Plaque left undisturbed will start to harden and mineralize within 24 hours. And deeper gum pockets require even more diligence to prevent the bacteria from burrowing further into the foundation of your teeth.

Since the deepest sections of gum pockets previously damaged by bacteria can be difficult to reach at home, a particular maintenance schedule with us proves essential. We can customize your plan to include 2, 3, or 4 visits a year, depending on the severity of the disease and its response to treatment and home care.

If our combined efforts don’t halt your gum disease, we will suggest referral to a trusted specialist, known as a periodontist. With specialized training in many gum conditions, further treatment may be recommended.

Understanding Treatments for Gum Disease: A Path to Healthier Gums and a Brighter Smile

Healthy gums are the foundation of a great smile. They frame your teeth and support your overall oral health. When gum disease sets in, it can lead to unsightly, swollen, or receding gums. Fortunately, treatments for gum disease are available to restore the health of your gums, ensuring both function and aesthetics are on track.

Gum Contouring: Sculpting Your Perfect Smile

The appearance of your gums plays a significant role in how your smile is perceived. Healthy, pink gums that gently curve around your teeth create a beautiful, balanced smile. However, if you have uneven gum lines, it can make your smile look less symmetrical. Whether it’s a small area that protrudes or an uneven scalloped edge, gum contouring can make the ultimate difference and help you embrace your smile.

Gum contouring involves reshaping the gum tissue to enhance the appearance of your smile. The procedure is simple, typically done with lasers, and is almost painless. Not only does it improve the look of your gums, but it also has a quicker healing time, with natural-looking results in just a few days.

Key Benefits of Gum Contouring:

Quick and Painless Procedure: Most patients experience minimal discomfort.
Immediate Results: Your smile will be visibly enhanced right after the procedure.
Natural Healing: Healing is quick, with no need for stitches, and your gums will look natural within days.

Gum contouring helps frame your smile, giving you the confidence to show off your teeth without worry. It’s an effective treatment that blends aesthetic improvement with periodontal health.

Treating Gum Disease: From Mild to Severe Stages

Gum disease ranges from mild inflammation to more serious conditions that affect bone health. Early signs like bleeding gums can often be treated with regular cleanings and better at-home care. However, as the disease progresses, more intensive treatment is necessary.

In the early stages, you may only need a couple of visits to get things under control. Your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan, which includes a schedule for home care and maintenance visits. When bone loss occurs, the treatment plan becomes more in-depth. Your dentist may use gentle numbing to clean the deeper areas below the gum line, using specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

For advanced gum disease, treatment may include:

Deep Cleaning: Your dentist will clean below the gum line, removing infection and plaque buildup.
Polishing: After cleaning, the teeth are polished to create a smooth surface, helping prevent future plaque accumulation.
Ongoing Care: Your dentist may suggest a medicated rinse, an electric toothbrush, or a Waterpik to help maintain gum health at home.

Though gum disease can be managed, it cannot be completely cured. Consistent care at home is crucial to maintaining healthy gums and preventing further issues.

Crown Lengthening: Restoring Function and Aesthetics

Sometimes, gum tissue needs to be removed to make room for restorations or enhance the appearance of your smile. Crown lengthening is a procedure that can help by removing excess gum tissue or bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface.

There are two types of crown lengthening:

Restorative Crown Lengthening: In this case, the gum tissue is reshaped to allow for a better fit for crowns. This helps prevent bacteria from entering under the crown, reducing the risk of decay.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening: For patients with “gummy” smiles, excess gum tissue is removed to reveal more of the tooth, making the smile appear more balanced and natural.

Crown lengthening not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your smile but also helps ensure that restorative treatments are more secure and long-lasting.

The Mouth-Body Connection: Protecting Your Overall Health

Your gums are more than just a part of your smile. They also play a vital role in your overall health. Studies have shown a clear link between gum disease and various systemic health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and even Alzheimer’s. Bleeding gums provide a direct pathway for harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can contribute to these health issues.

If bleeding gums could be seen as an open wound, the risk of infection would be clear. Just as an open wound on your skin can allow bacteria to enter your body, so too can bleeding gums. The bacteria from your mouth can spread, affecting other parts of your body and compromising your health.

To protect your overall health, periodontal care is crucial:

Early Intervention: Treating gum disease early can prevent systemic health risks.
Prevent Infection: Regular cleanings and maintenance help keep bacteria under control.
Healthier Gums, Healthier Body: Healthy gums contribute to a healthier, more vibrant you.

By maintaining healthy gums, you are not only improving the appearance of your smile but also taking steps to protect your entire body.

Partner With Seattle Dental Studio for Your Gum Health

Healthy gums are essential for a healthy smile and overall well-being, and at Seattle Dental Studio, we’re dedicated to providing advanced periodontal care tailored to your needs. From treating early signs of gum disease to managing more advanced cases with cutting-edge techniques, we focus on preserving and enhancing your gum health. With personalized treatment plans, state-of-the-art technology, and a patient-first approach, we strive to ensure your gums and smile remain vibrant and strong.

Take the next step in maintaining your oral health with confidence. Call us at (206) 467-8302 or fill out our contact form. Let us help you achieve a healthier smile and better overall wellness!

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WHAT OUR PATIENT SAY

LAURA M.

Dr. Dbouk recently designed and placed an implant and a number of crowns in my upper mouth, and I am so happy with the end result.

PATTY P.

I just had the preliminary surgery for 4 dental implants; Dr Dbouk did such a great job – 2 weeks later, I could barely tell there were incisions!

KELLY S.

I have been receiving outstanding care at Seattle Dental Studio for over 20 years. The staff is knowledgeable, gentle and efficient.

JILLANE C.

Dr. Dbouk did an excellent job with my implants. Anne Raisler is always awesome to deal with, when it comes to insurance allowed amount and benefits.

KAREN R.

Dr. Dbouk made me a lower front bridge after I had to have a tooth extracted. I love it! You can’t even tell that the teeth are not my own.

LILY L.

I recently got an anterior implant by Dr. Dbouk and I think I’ve found my permanent dentist…no one could tell that the implant was not my tooth!

SELENA T.

Super friendly and incredibly responsive. Dr. Dbouk took his time with me, explaining things in an informative way so I could make decisions.

SUZANNE R.

If I could select one dentist office for the rest of my life, it would be Dr. Dbouk’s office.

SALWA E. H.

This was THE best experience I had in a dental clinic in a very long time. Thank you All for reinstating my confidence in the dental practice.