GUM DISEASE TREATMENT in Seattle, WA

Don’t let periodontal disease compromise your oral health and overall wellbeing. At Dental Specialties Northwest, our Seattle specialists provide comprehensive gum disease treatment using cutting-edge techniques and technology to restore your gum health and prevent tooth loss.

Gum disease affects millions of Americans and remains one of the leading causes of tooth loss when left untreated. This progressive condition begins subtly with minor bleeding during brushing but can ultimately lead to tooth mobility, significant discomfort, and compromised oral health. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and timely intervention, gum disease can be effectively managed and even reversed in its early stages.

At Dental Specialties Northwest, Dr. Sweeney brings over 46 years of periodontal expertise to patients throughout Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Our specialized team focuses on comprehensive periodontal care using advanced techniques and technology in our state-of-the-art facility in the Columbia Center.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. It begins with plaque accumulation along the gumline, which harbors bacteria that produce toxins harmful to gum tissue. These toxins trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the breakdown of the attachment between your gums and teeth.

Periodontal disease typically progresses through two main stages. Gingivitis is the initial stage characterized by gum inflammation, redness, and occasional bleeding during brushing or flossing. At this stage, the disease is reversible with proper professional treatment and improved home care. As the condition advances to periodontitis, inflammation extends deeper, affecting the supporting bone and periodontal ligaments. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, allowing bacteria to penetrate and cause further destruction. Without intervention, this can lead to bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventually tooth loss.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

Being aware of the warning signs of periodontal disease is crucial for seeking timely treatment. Look out for these symptoms:

Persistent bad breath that doesn’t resolve with brushing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding while brushing or flossing
Receding gums that make teeth appear longer
Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
Loose or shifting teeth
Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting
Pus between your teeth and gums

Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking professional evaluation can prevent the progression of gum disease and help maintain your natural teeth for years to come.

Our Services

Advanced Surgical Treatments

When gum disease progresses to advanced stages with significant bone loss or persistent deep pockets, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore health. Our Seattle periodontal specialists perform a range of sophisticated procedures including pocket reduction surgery (flap surgery) to reduce pocket depths and eliminate bacteria-harboring spaces. For cases with significant gum recession, we offer various gum grafting techniques to cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and restore aesthetic appearance. When bone loss has occurred, we provide bone grafting procedures to replace lost bone structure and create a solid foundation for your teeth or future dental implants. These advanced procedures utilize minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce discomfort and speed recovery time.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

For mild to moderate gum disease, non-surgical treatments often provide effective results while preserving your natural tissues. Scaling and root planing—often called deep cleaning—remains the gold standard first-line treatment for periodontal disease. This thorough procedure removes plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line while smoothing root surfaces to discourage future bacterial adherence. Our Seattle specialists may complement this treatment with antimicrobial irrigations or localized antibiotic therapy to target persistent infections in deeper pockets. For optimal comfort, we offer various sedation options, including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Many patients experience significant improvement after non-surgical therapy, with reduced pocket depths, decreased inflammation, and resolution of bleeding.

Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy

Incorporating state-of-the-art technology into gum disease treatment, our Seattle practice offers laser-assisted periodontal therapy for enhanced results with less discomfort. This advanced approach uses precisely controlled laser energy to target diseased tissue while preserving healthy structures. Laser therapy effectively eliminates harmful bacteria, removes infected tissue, and promotes healing with minimal bleeding and swelling. The selective nature of laser treatment results in less trauma to surrounding tissues, faster recovery times, and reduced post-procedure discomfort compared to traditional methods. This cutting-edge option is particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease who prefer a less invasive alternative to conventional surgery. Our specialists will determine if laser therapy is appropriate for your specific condition during your comprehensive evaluation.

Don't ignore bleeding gums or gum recession. Early intervention can prevent serious complications and save your natural teeth. Let our periodontal specialists help restore your gum health today.

Meet Dr. Thomas Sweeney and Our Expert Team

At Dental Specialties Northwest, our Seattle-based team brings exceptional expertise to every periodontal procedure. Led by Dr. Tom Sweeney and Dr. Rhys Spoor, our practice offers integrated dental care that allows you to receive multiple specialized treatments under one roof. Our doctors are trusted by other dental professionals—we’re proud to be “the dental care practice the dentists trust.”

Our team’s comprehensive approach means you benefit from specialists working together to diagnose and treat your gum disease effectively. Using cutting-edge dental technology and innovative techniques, we develop personalized treatment plans that address the underlying causes of your periodontal condition while preserving as much natural tissue as possible. Whether you’re experiencing early-stage gingivitis or advanced periodontitis, our specialists collaborate to deliver world-class periodontal care in our luxury Seattle dental environment at 701 5th Ave, Suite 4660.

Benefits of Professional Gum Disease Treatment

Prevention of Tooth Loss

Untreated gum disease remains the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. As periodontal disease progresses, it destroys the supporting structures that hold teeth in place, eventually leading to mobility and tooth loss. Professional treatment halts this destructive process, preserving your natural dentition and avoiding the need for extensive restorative procedures. By addressing gum disease at any stage, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, our Seattle specialists help you maintain your natural smile for years to come. The investment in periodontal care now prevents the significant functional, aesthetic, and financial consequences of tooth loss later.

Improved Overall Health

The connection between oral health and systemic wellness is well-established, with research consistently demonstrating links between periodontal disease and conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory issues, and pregnancy complications. By effectively treating gum disease, you’re not just improving your oral health—you’re potentially reducing risk factors for these serious medical conditions. Our comprehensive approach addresses the bacterial infections that can spread through the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. Many patients report improvements in overall health markers following successful periodontal therapy, reinforcing the importance of addressing this common but serious condition.

Enhanced Comfort and Aesthetics

Advanced gum disease often causes uncomfortable symptoms including persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity. Professional treatment resolves these issues, restoring comfort and confidence in your daily life. Beyond symptom relief, periodontal therapy improves the appearance of your smile by reducing redness and swelling, addressing receding gums, and creating a healthier-looking gum line. For cases involving gum recession, our advanced grafting techniques can restore a natural-looking gum margin, improving both aesthetics and function. With restored gum health, you’ll feel more comfortable smiling, speaking, and eating in social situations.

Foundation for Future Dental Work

Healthy gums provide the essential foundation for all other dental procedures. Whether you’re considering cosmetic enhancements, restorative work, or dental implants, successful outcomes depend on first establishing optimal periodontal health. By addressing gum disease comprehensively, our Seattle specialists create the stable, healthy foundation necessary for long-lasting dental restorations and aesthetic improvements. This sequential approach ensures that investments in your smile are built on a solid foundation, improving long-term success rates and satisfaction with all dental treatments. Our integrated team approach facilitates seamless coordination between periodontal therapy and any subsequent dental procedures you may require.

Our Approach to Gum Disease Treatment

As a periodontal specialist, Dr. Sweeney provides tailored treatment plans based on the severity of your condition and specific oral health needs. For early to moderate periodontal disease, scaling and root planing remains the gold standard non-surgical treatment. This deep-cleaning procedure involves removing plaque and tartar deposits from tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline, smoothing root surfaces to eliminate bacterial toxins, and sometimes applying antimicrobial agents to control bacterial growth.

For patients seeking a less invasive alternative to traditional periodontal surgery, we offer LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) therapy. This FDA-approved laser treatment selectively targets and eliminates diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue, stimulates regeneration of bone and connective tissue, and provides a more comfortable recovery with minimal bleeding and swelling. LANAP® has revolutionized periodontal treatment by providing excellent results with significantly reduced discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods.

In cases of advanced periodontitis, surgical intervention may be necessary. Our surgical options include pocket reduction surgery to remove disease-causing bacteria and smooth damaged bone, regenerative procedures using specialized materials to stimulate bone and tissue regeneration, and soft tissue grafts to address gum recession by transplanting tissue to cover exposed roots.

Tissue Grafting for Gum Recession

Gum recession—whether caused by periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or genetic factors—can lead to tooth sensitivity, root decay, and aesthetic concerns. Our grafting procedures cover exposed root surfaces to protect them from further damage, enhance the appearance of your smile by creating a more even gumline, and reduce tooth sensitivity associated with exposed roots. Each grafting procedure is precisely tailored to address your specific needs while ensuring optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.

The Connection Between Periodontal Health and Overall Health

Research continues to strengthen the link between periodontal disease and various systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and certain pregnancy complications. This connection, often called the “oral-systemic link,” highlights how bacteria and inflammation from gum disease can potentially impact overall health.

At Dental Specialties Northwest, we emphasize the importance of periodontal health not just for your smile but as an integral component of your complete well-being. Our comprehensive approach to gum disease treatment considers these connections and works to reduce inflammation throughout your body.

Choose Seattle's Periodontal Specialist

When seeking treatment for gum disease, choosing a specialist with extensive experience in periodontal care ensures you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment. Dr. Sweeney’s focused expertise in periodontics allows us to offer advanced solutions specifically designed to address the full spectrum of gum disease, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.

Our commitment to periodontal excellence means staying at the forefront of dental technology and techniques to provide the highest standard of care in a comfortable, patient-centered environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Warning Signs of Gum Disease?

Early symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, tender gums, and receding gums that make teeth appear longer. As the condition progresses, you may notice pus between teeth and gums, loose or shifting teeth, changes in how your teeth fit together when biting, or new spaces developing between teeth. Many people experience minimal discomfort in early stages, which is why regular dental examinations are crucial for early detection. If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an evaluation at our Seattle office promptly—early intervention significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces the need for more extensive procedures.

Is Gum Disease Treatment Painful?

With modern techniques and sedation options, gum disease treatment at Dental Specialties Northwest is remarkably comfortable. For non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing, we use effective local anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain during treatment, with optional sedation for anxious patients. Surgical procedures are performed with appropriate anesthesia and sedation tailored to the procedure's complexity and your comfort needs. Most patients report minimal discomfort during recovery, typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers for a few days. Our Seattle specialists use minimally invasive approaches whenever possible to reduce post-procedure swelling and discomfort, allowing for faster recovery and return to normal activities.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease from Returning?

Maintaining your results after periodontal treatment requires diligent home care and regular professional maintenance. Our Seattle team will develop a personalized plan that typically includes brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush, daily flossing or use of interdental cleaners, and possibly antimicrobial mouth rinses or other specialized products. Equally important are regular periodontal maintenance appointments—typically every 3-4 months rather than the standard 6-month recall—to remove bacterial buildup before it causes recurrent disease. Lifestyle factors also play a role, with smoking cessation, balanced nutrition, and blood sugar control for diabetic patients being particularly important for long-term periodontal health.

Protect your smile and overall health with expert periodontal care. Our Seattle specialists provide personalized gum disease treatment using the latest techniques and technology.

Visit Our Office

We’re conveniently located in downtown Seattle, WA, at 701 5th Ave, Suite 4660, in the Columbia Center. Enjoy stunning views, ample parking, and easy access to public transportation options for a seamless visit.