Periodontist in Bellevue, Seattle
Expert gum care in Bellevue, Seattle—our skilled periodontist provides advanced treatments to restore gum health and protect your smile, just a short drive from downtown.
A periodontist focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and other conditions affecting the supporting structures of your teeth. These dental specialists receive extensive additional training beyond dental school to provide advanced care for complex periodontal conditions, dental implant placement, and regenerative procedures. When your general dentist refers you to a periodontist, you can expect highly specialized treatment designed to save your natural teeth and restore optimal gum health.
At Dental Specialties Northwest, our team understands the critical importance of healthy gums for your overall oral health and beautiful smile. As Seattle’s premier periodontal destination, we provide comprehensive dental services with advanced techniques and personalized care protocols designed to achieve the best possible outcomes for your unique situation.
What Does a Periodontist Do?
Periodontists complete three additional years of specialized training after dental school, focusing exclusively on the supporting structures of teeth, including gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. This extensive education prepares them to handle complex cases involving advanced gum disease, dental implant placement, bone grafting procedures, and cosmetic periodontal surgery.
The scope of periodontal treatment extends far beyond basic gum care to include sophisticated regenerative procedures that can actually reverse damage caused by periodontal disease. Modern periodontists utilize cutting-edge technology such as laser therapy, growth factors, and bone grafting materials to achieve results that were impossible just decades ago.
Simple Process, Exceptional Care
Your journey to better periodontal health
1
Comprehensive Examination
Digital diagnostics, pocket measurements, and clear discussion of findings. No surprises, just honest answers.
2
Personalized Treatment Plan
We explain every option, from non-surgical therapy to advanced procedures. You'll understand exactly what's needed.
3
Comfortable Treatment
Modern techniques and sedation options ensure your procedure is as comfortable as possible. Most patients are surprised how easy it is.
4
Long-term Success
Regular maintenance appointments protect your investment. We'll teach you how to keep your gums healthy between visits.
Common Conditions Treated by Periodontists
Chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States, making periodontal disease one of the most prevalent health conditions affecting American adults. Periodontists treat the full spectrum of gum disease, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis with significant bone loss around the teeth.
Beyond gum disease treatment, periodontists address conditions such as gum recession, crown lengthening needs, ridge preservation after tooth extraction, and complications related to dental implants. They also provide treatment for oral lesions, perform biopsies of suspicious tissue, and manage complex cases involving multiple missing teeth.
Advanced Periodontal Treatments
Modern periodontal therapy offers numerous treatment options designed to address varying degrees of gum disease and bone loss. Scaling and root planing represent the foundation of non-surgical periodontal treatment, providing deep cleaning below the gum line to remove bacteria and calculus deposits that cause inflammation.
For more advanced cases, periodontists may recommend osseous surgery to reduce pocket depths and create an environment that supports long-term gum health. Gum grafting procedures address areas of recession, protecting tooth roots and improving the aesthetic appearance of your smile.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser-assisted regeneration with LANAP represents one of the most significant advances in periodontal treatment, offering patients a minimally invasive alternative to traditional gum surgery. This FDA-approved procedure uses laser energy to selectively remove diseased tissue while stimulating regeneration of healthy gums and supporting bone.
The laser’s precision allows periodontists to treat gum disease without the need for scalpels or sutures, resulting in significantly less discomfort and faster healing times compared to conventional surgical approaches. Many patients find laser therapy so comfortable that they can return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
Our Periodontal Services
Comprehensive periodontal care under one roof
This foundational treatment removes bacterial deposits below the gum line, creating clean root surfaces that promote healing. Our ultrasonic technology makes the process more comfortable than traditional methods while achieving superior results.
Advanced laser therapy eliminates diseased tissue with remarkable precision, preserving healthy gums while promoting natural regeneration. This minimally invasive approach means less discomfort and faster recovery for busy Ballard professionals.
Restore receded gums and protect exposed roots through our precise grafting techniques. We use both traditional and innovative approaches to rebuild your gum line, enhancing both aesthetics and dental health.
As periodontal specialists, we excel at the surgical placement of dental implants with a 97% success rate. Our expertise in bone grafting and tissue management ensures optimal results for Ballard patients seeking permanent tooth replacement.
Dental Implant Placement and Management
Periodontists receive extensive training in dental implant placement, making them uniquely qualified to handle both simple and complex implant cases. Their deep understanding of bone biology and healing allows them to achieve optimal implant integration and long-term stability.
When inadequate bone exists to support dental implants, periodontists can perform bone grafting procedures to rebuild the foundation needed for successful implant placement. This regenerative approach allows patients who might not initially be candidates for implants to receive this life-changing treatment.
The Importance of Periodontal Health
Healthy gums provide the foundation for a beautiful smile and optimal oral function. Research has established connections between periodontal disease and various systemic health conditions, making gum health an important component of your overall wellness. Periodontists work closely with your general dentist and other healthcare providers to ensure integrated care that addresses both oral and systemic health concerns.
Early intervention by a periodontist can often prevent the need for more extensive treatment later, preserving your natural teeth and maintaining the bone structure that supports your facial features. Regular periodontal maintenance helps ensure long-term stability and may reduce your risk of tooth loss.
Discover Our Advanced Approach
Watch this short video to learn more about our state-of-the-art technology and patient-centered care that sets us apart.
When to See a Periodontist
Your general dentist may recommend a periodontal consultation if you exhibit signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or gum recession. Early referral allows periodontists to implement conservative treatments that may prevent the need for more complex procedures.
Patients considering dental implants benefit from periodontal evaluation to assess bone levels, gum health, and overall suitability for implant placement. Periodontists can also provide valuable second opinions for patients who have been told they need extensive dental work or tooth extractions.
Advanced Technology and Techniques
Modern periodontal practice incorporates sophisticated diagnostic tools and treatment techniques that improve accuracy, comfort, and outcomes. Digital imaging provides detailed views of bone levels and root anatomy, while laser technology offers minimally invasive treatment options for many conditions.
Regenerative materials such as growth factors, bone grafts, and barrier membranes can actually reverse some of the damage caused by periodontal disease, helping patients achieve better results than ever before possible.
Meet Our Periodontal Team
Dr. Thomas Sweeney
DDS, Certificate in Periodontics – Lead Periodontist & Implant Specialist
Dr. Thomas Sweeney leads our periodontal department as both practice owner and surgical specialist, bringing decades of experience in complex gum treatments and implant placement.
Together with Dr. Rhys Spoor and Dr. Stephanie Yeung, our integrated team approach means your periodontal treatment seamlessly coordinates with any necessary restorative work — all under one roof.
Patients from Ballard appreciate our collaborative philosophy that eliminates the hassle of multiple referrals while ensuring every aspect of your oral health receives expert attention.
Experience Seattle's Premier Periodontal Care
Dr. Tom Sweeney brings decades of periodontal experience to Dental Specialties Northwest, combining advanced training with a commitment to personalized patient care. Our Columbia Tower practice offers the latest advances in periodontal therapy, from conservative non-surgical treatments to complex regenerative procedures and dental implant placement.
We understand that periodontal treatment represents an important investment in your oral health and overall quality of life. Our team provides comprehensive care designed to preserve your natural teeth, restore optimal gum health, and create a foundation for lifelong oral wellness. Contact us at (206) 682-8200 to schedule your periodontal consultation and discover how specialized care can transform your smile and health.
See What Our Patients Say
Insurance & Payment
Quality periodontal care should be accessible. As a Delta Dental Premier Provider, we offer enhanced coverage for those patients. Our team will verify your benefits and handle claims directly.
Financial Options Include:
- Delta Dental Premier Provider (enhanced coverage)
- CareCredit financing
- Payment plans
- HSA/FSA accepted
- Transparent pricing upfront
- Complimentary insurance verification
Visit Our Seattle Office
Modern periodontics in a comfortable setting. Our centrally located Seattle office offers:
- Free parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Early morning & evening appointments
- Virtual consultations available
- 701 5th Ave, Suite 4660, Seattle, WA 98104
- 206-682-8200
- frontdesk@dentalspecialtiesnorthwest.com
