How often should I have a periodontal checkup?

For most patients, we recommend a periodontal checkup every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease or other risk factors, more frequent visits may be necessary. Your dentist or periodontist will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.

Can gum disease be cured?

While early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with proper treatment and oral hygiene, advanced periodontal disease cannot be completely cured. However, with appropriate treatment and maintenance, you can effectively manage the condition, prevent its progression, and maintain your oral health.

Is periodontal treatment painful?

Most periodontal treatments are performed with local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. For more extensive treatments, various sedation options may be used to help you relax. Any soreness post-procedure can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

How long does it take to recover from periodontal surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of the procedure. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week after treatment. Your periodontist will provide specific post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.

Will my insurance cover periodontal treatment?

Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal treatments, especially when they are medically necessary. Many dentists also offer flexible financing options to help you pay for treatment.

Periodontics | Periodontist in Seattle, WA

Treat Your Gums Right with Our Seattle Periodontist

Welcome to Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, your trusted source for advanced periodontal treatments in the heart of downtown Seattle. Our team of skilled professionals, led by Dr. Susan Maring, offers a wide range of periodontal services designed to improve your oral health and enhance your smile.

Whether you’re looking to treat gum disease or require cosmetic gum work, contact our Seattle periodontist at 206-343-7500 for all your periodontal needs.

Why Choose Our Periodontal Services?

At Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional periodontal care. Our practice stands out due to our collaborative approach, combining the expertise of both oral surgeons and a periodontist under one roof. This unique setup allows us to offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.

Dr. Susan Maring, our experienced Seattle periodontist, brings over two decades of experience in treating and managing periodontal diseases. Her extensive training and commitment to staying current with the latest advancements in periodontal care ensure that you receive top-notch treatment.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common but serious condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. It begins with the buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gum line, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums.

There are two main stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
Periodontitis: The more advanced stage, where the infection spreads below the gum line, potentially causing bone loss and tooth loosening.

Early detection and treatment of gum disease are essential to prevent its progression and protect your oral health.

The Maring & Johnson Difference: Collaborative Care

What sets our Seattle dental practice apart is the seamless collaboration between our oral surgeons, Dr. Thomas Maring and Dr. Robert Johnson, and our periodontist, Dr. Susan Maring. This team brings a wealth of combined expertise to every case, offering you the benefits of both specialties in one location.

When you choose Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center for your periodontal care, you’re not just getting a single specialist—you’re gaining access to a team of professionals who work together to provide you with the most comprehensive treatment plan possible.

State-of-the-Art Technology for Precision Care

We invest in the latest dental technology to provide you with the highest standard of care. Our advanced diagnostic tools and treatment equipment allow us to:

Detect gum disease in its earliest stages
Create detailed 3D images for precise treatment planning
Perform minimally invasive procedures with faster healing times
Enhance your comfort during treatments

Patient Education: Your Partner in Oral Health

We believe that informed patients make better decisions about their oral health. During your visits, we will take the time to explain your condition and treatment options while guiding you on maintaining your periodontal health at home. Our team is always available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about your treatment.

Ready to take the first step toward optimal gum health? Call us today at 206-343-7500 to schedule your consultation with our periodontal team in downtown Seattle.

Gum Disease Treatment

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that serves as the cornerstone of periodontal therapy. During scaling, we carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from above and below the gum line, using specialized instruments to access hard-to-reach areas. Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth, removing infected tooth structures, and encouraging healthy tissue reattachment. This treatment not only helps eliminate bacteria but also creates a clean environment that promotes healing and discourages future buildup.

Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotic therapy is often used in conjunction with other periodontal treatments to enhance their effectiveness. We may apply localized antibiotics directly to the affected areas, allowing for targeted treatment of bacterial infections in the gum pockets. These controlled-release antibiotics continue working for several days after application, helping to control bacterial growth and support the healing process. In some cases, we might prescribe oral antibiotics to address more widespread infections or to prepare for surgical procedures.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is a crucial part of managing gum disease long-term and preventing its recurrence. These regular follow-up cleanings are more intensive than standard dental cleanings and are tailored to your specific needs. During these appointments, we thoroughly clean above and below the gum line, evaluate the health of your gums, and monitor for any signs of disease progression. We also use this time to reinforce proper home care techniques and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy represents a cutting-edge approach to periodontal treatment. This advanced technique uses focused light energy to precisely remove diseased tissue and harmful bacteria while leaving healthy tissue intact. Laser therapy can lead to less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods. Additionally, it can stimulate the regeneration of healthy gum tissue and promote faster healing, making it an excellent option for many patients.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure used to address gum recession, where the gum tissue has pulled away from the teeth, exposing the roots. During this procedure, our Seattle periodontist will take healthy gum tissue from another area of your mouth (or use donor tissue) and carefully attach it to the areas of recession. This not only improves the appearance of your smile but also protects the exposed tooth roots from decay and sensitivity. Gum grafting can help prevent further recession and bone loss, supporting long-term oral health.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is an advanced periodontal procedure aimed at regenerating lost bone and supporting tissues around your teeth. This innovative treatment uses special membranes, growth factors, or tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and periodontal ligament. The membrane acts as a barrier, preventing faster-growing gum tissue from interfering with bone regeneration. GTR can be particularly effective in treating areas with significant bone loss due to severe periodontitis, potentially preventing tooth loss.

Pocket Reduction

Pocket reduction, also known as flap surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate or reduce the periodontal pockets that form between the teeth and gums due to advanced gum disease. During this procedure, we gently fold back the gum tissue to remove infectious bacteria and smooth areas of damaged bone. This allows the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone, reducing pocket depth and making it easier to keep your teeth clean at home. Pocket reduction not only helps control the progression of gum disease but also decreases the risk of serious health problems associated with periodontal infection.

Cosmetic Periodontal Treatment

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a versatile procedure that can address both functional and aesthetic concerns. This treatment involves reshaping the gum tissue and, sometimes, the underlying bone to expose more of the natural tooth structure. It’s often used to prepare teeth for restorative procedures like crowns or bridges, ensuring a proper fit and seal. From a cosmetic standpoint, crown lengthening can correct a “gummy” smile by creating a more balanced proportion between the teeth and gums. The result is a more harmonious and attractive smile.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure designed to create a more even and aesthetically pleasing gum line. Using advanced techniques, our periodontist in Seattle will carefully sculpt the gum tissue to achieve an ideal shape and proportion relative to your teeth. This treatment can correct issues such as uneven gum lines or excessive gum display when smiling. Gum contouring can dramatically improve the overall appearance of your smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.

Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafts are used to augment areas of thin or receding gums, serving both cosmetic and health-related purposes. By adding gum tissue to areas of recession, we can improve the aesthetics of your smile and protect the exposed tooth. There are several types of soft tissue grafts, including connective tissue grafts and free gingival grafts, each suited to different situations. The choice of technique depends on your specific needs and the condition of your gums.

The treatment has been excellent and Dr Maring is thorough and thoughtful in his approach. I especially like the time he spent educating me on my condition and treatment options. Very kind and responsive office staff.

— Doug B.

Everyone in the office was helpful, skillful, and efficient. I was treated with compassion and professionalism. My questions and concerns got immediate responses. I was so impressed! In addition, I experienced minimal pain after my tooth extraction.

— Marianne C.

From the time I first called to make my appointment, walked in the office and met with Dr. Maring, I was treated professionally and respectfully.

— Theresa L.

I have complete confidence in Dr Maring; he is efficient, thorough in explaining things, & excellent at what he does. I am so thankful for him & his staff! for him & his staff.

— Lucille N.

I have been a patient of Dr. Susan Maring’s for more than 20 years. I have a rare condition that requires as much as monthly cleanings. She does the work herself, even when insurance doesn’t cover the cost of a periodontist doing the work of a hygienist. When I have needed the help of a dentist, she knew just the right people. She demonstrates tremendous commitment to her patients. I am lucky to have her in my life.

— Susan C.