Woodinville Periodontist

At Eckland Family Dentistry, our experienced periodontist provides comprehensive gum disease treatment and periodontal care to patients throughout Woodinville and surrounding communities. Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common dental conditions affecting adults, yet many people don’t realize they have it until significant damage has occurred. Our Woodinville dentists are dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum disease to protect both your oral and overall health.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. After completing dental school, periodontists receive an additional three years of specialized training in treating gum disease, performing tissue regeneration procedures, and placing dental implants.

At our Woodinville practice, our periodontist brings this advanced expertise to provide you with the highest level of care for all periodontal concerns, from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive bacterial infection that begins when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up along and under the gumline. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, this bacteria can cause inflammation and damage to the gums and supporting bone structure.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis: The Early Stage

The initial stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is characterized by:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Bad breath that persists
• Mild discomfort or tenderness

At this stage, gum disease is completely reversible with proper professional treatment and improved home care. Our Woodinville periodontist can help restore your gums to health before permanent damage occurs.

Periodontitis: The Advanced Stage

Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which involves:

• Receding gums creating “pockets” around teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Painful chewing
• Changes in your bite
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Bone loss around teeth

Advanced periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and requires more intensive treatment approaches. Our Woodinville periodontal specialist offers effective solutions even for advanced cases.

Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment in Woodinville

Our periodontist provides customized treatment plans based on the severity of your condition and your overall health needs. Our Woodinville practice offers a complete range of periodontal treatments:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

This thorough cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, then smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach to teeth. For many patients with early to moderate gum disease, this treatment effectively halts disease progression.

Antibiotic Therapy

In some cases, our Woodinville periodontist may recommend localized antibiotics placed directly into periodontal pockets or oral antibiotics to control bacterial infection and promote healing.

Laser Bacterial Reduction

Using advanced laser technology, we can precisely target and eliminate bacteria in periodontal pockets without harming surrounding healthy tissue. This minimally invasive approach promotes faster healing and more comfortable treatment.

Surgical Treatments

For more advanced cases of gum disease, our Woodinville periodontist provides surgical interventions:

Pocket Reduction Surgery (Flap Surgery)

This procedure allows for deeper cleaning of root surfaces by temporarily folding back gum tissue. It reduces pocket depth and makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene at home.

Gum Grafting

When gum recession has occurred, grafting procedures can restore gum tissue to cover exposed root surfaces, reducing sensitivity and improving aesthetics while protecting vulnerable roots from decay.

Bone Grafting

For patients with significant bone loss due to periodontitis, bone grafting can regenerate lost bone and support, potentially saving teeth that would otherwise be lost.

Crown Lengthening

This procedure reshapes excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth, creating a healthier gum-to-tooth relationship and providing better access for restorative procedures.

Signs You Should See Our Woodinville Periodontist

Consider scheduling a consultation with our periodontal specialist if you experience:

• Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting
• Pain when chewing
• Teeth that appear longer due to receding gums
• Sensitivity to hot or cold

Early intervention is key to successful treatment, so don’t wait until pain becomes severe to seek periodontal care in Woodinville.

The Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health

Research has established strong links between periodontal disease and numerous systemic health conditions, including:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes
• Respiratory diseases
• Pregnancy complications
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Certain cancers

By seeking treatment from our Woodinville periodontist, you’re not just protecting your smile—you’re investing in your total body health.

Preventing Gum Disease

Our periodontal team emphasizes prevention as the best approach to gum health. We provide personalized guidance on:

• Proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Recommended oral hygiene products
• Nutrition for optimal gum health
• Risk factor management (smoking cessation, diabetes control)
• Customized maintenance schedules

For patients with a history of gum disease, we typically recommend more frequent professional cleanings to maintain gum health and prevent recurrence.

Advanced Technology for Superior Periodontal Care

Our Woodinville periodontal practice utilizes state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment, including:

• Digital X-rays for minimal radiation exposure
• Intraoral cameras to show you what we see
• Soft tissue lasers for more comfortable treatment
• Advanced ultrasonic scaling equipment
• 3D imaging for complex cases

These technologies allow for more precise treatment with improved comfort and outcomes.

Your First Periodontal Visit in Woodinville

During your initial consultation, our periodontist will:

• Review your medical and dental history
• Perform a comprehensive periodontal examination
• Measure pocket depths around each tooth
• Assess gum recession and tooth mobility
• Take necessary X-rays or imaging
• Discuss findings and treatment options
• Answer all your questions

We take time to ensure you understand your condition and feel comfortable with your treatment plan.

Take Action for Your Gum Health Today

Don’t let gum disease threaten your smile and overall health. Our experienced Woodinville periodontist provides compassionate, effective care for all stages of periodontal disease.

Contact Eckland Family Dentistry today at 425-451-0755 to schedule your periodontal consultation. Our friendly team is ready to help you achieve and maintain optimal gum health for a lifetime of smiles.