Gum disease affects nearly half of American adults and can quietly progress from mild inflammation to serious infection that damages the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel slightly loose are not problems to wait out. Caught early, gum disease is often reversible. Caught late, it becomes the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
At Burien Signature Dentistry, Dr. Andy Kim and our team provide comprehensive gum disease treatment in Burien WA through our general dentistry practice. We take a conservative, preventative approach that focuses on catching problems early, treating them gently, and giving you the tools to keep your gums healthy for the long run.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a progressive bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along and under the gumline. If not removed through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
The earliest stage is gingivitis. Gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily during brushing or flossing. At this stage, the infection is still limited to the gum tissue, and the damage is fully reversible with proper treatment and improved home care. Many patients are surprised that gingivitis can resolve completely within a few weeks of focused attention.
Without treatment, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. The inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that collect debris and become infected. As these pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can loosen and be lost. The earlier we intervene, the simpler and more successful treatment becomes.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Recognizing the early signs of gum disease can help you prevent serious complications:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums that make teeth appear longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in your bite or the fit of partial dentures
Our Gum Disease Treatment Approach
At Burien Signature Dentistry, we take a comprehensive, individualized approach to treating gum disease. Every treatment plan is tailored to your specific stage of disease, your medical history, your home care habits, and your personal comfort level. We start with the least invasive, most conservative approach appropriate for your case, and escalate only when clinically necessary.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For early to moderate gum disease, non-surgical treatments are highly effective at halting progression and allowing your gums to heal. Most patients respond extremely well to these conservative approaches and never need surgical intervention.
Scaling and Root Planing. This deep cleaning procedure carefully removes plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gumline. Root planing then smooths the tooth root surfaces so it becomes harder for bacteria to re-adhere and easier for your gums to reattach to the teeth. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for your comfort, and oral or IV sedation is available if you feel anxious.
Antibiotic Therapy. In some cases, we may prescribe antibiotics to help control bacterial infection. These can be taken orally or applied directly into the infected gum pockets as a locally delivered treatment. Antibiotics are typically used as a complement to mechanical cleaning rather than a substitute for it.
Ongoing Maintenance
After your initial treatment, maintaining healthy gums requires consistent care and regular professional monitoring. Gum disease is a condition we manage, not a single event we treat and forget.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings. Patients who have been treated for gum disease typically benefit from professional cleanings every three to four months rather than the standard twice-yearly schedule. These visits allow us to remove buildup before it causes new problems, monitor pocket depths, and catch any early signs of recurrence.
Improved Home Care. We provide detailed, personalized coaching on proper brushing and flossing techniques, along with recommendations for specialized oral care products like interdental brushes, water flossers, and antimicrobial rinses. Small changes in technique often make a significant difference in outcomes.
Prevention and Lifestyle Factors
Preventing gum disease is always preferable to treating it. Several factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Genetics and family history
- Certain medications that reduce saliva flow
- Illnesses such as diabetes
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
According to the American Dental Association, chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States. It can lead to loss of the tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time if not addressed.
Our team emphasizes excellent oral hygiene, including proper brushing, daily flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash when indicated. We also provide dental hygiene education to help you maintain optimal oral health between visits, tailored to your specific needs and risk factors.
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
Gum disease is not just an oral health concern. Research has shown meaningful links between periodontal disease and several systemic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections. The chronic inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body.
Treating gum disease is a meaningful step toward better overall health. Patients with diabetes, in particular, often find that controlling gum disease helps them control blood sugar more effectively. Pregnant patients with gum disease may face higher risks for premature birth and low birth weight, which makes professional periodontal care especially important during pregnancy.
This whole-body connection is one reason our practice emphasizes preventative gum care even for patients without active disease. A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body.
Technology and Comfort
At Burien Signature Dentistry, we use advanced techniques and modern technology to make your gum disease treatment as comfortable and effective as possible. Ultrasonic scalers gently break up tartar with less pressure than traditional hand instruments. Digital imaging lets us show you exactly what’s happening below the gumline so you can see the progress we’re making together.
For patients who feel anxious about dental treatment, we offer sedation dentistry options including oral conscious sedation and IV sedation to help you feel relaxed throughout your appointment. Many patients who were nervous about periodontal treatment are surprised how comfortable the experience actually is.
Schedule Gum Disease Treatment in Burien WA with Our Team
Don’t let gum disease quietly compromise your oral health and overall wellbeing. Dr. Andy Kim and our team have years of experience treating periodontal disease and helping patients throughout Burien, Normandy Park, Seahurst, and the surrounding area achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Our practice accepts Cherry financing and works with all major PPO insurance plans including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, and others to make treatment both affordable and accessible.
If you’re noticing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or it’s been more than six months since your last professional cleaning, the time to act is now. Call Burien Signature Dentistry at (206) 246-3222 or visit our contact page to schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation.
FAQs about Gum Disease Treatment
Can gum disease be reversed or cured?
It depends on the stage. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is completely reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Your gums can return to full health within weeks. However, once it advances to periodontitis, where infection has caused bone loss, the damage is permanent. Periodontitis can be effectively managed through scaling and root planing, improved home care, and regular maintenance visits to halt progression and stabilize your gums. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your outcomes. Our preventative approach is designed to catch gum disease early and protect your smile.
What is scaling and root planing, and does it hurt?
Scaling and root planing, often called a “deep cleaning,” thoroughly cleans below the gumline where regular brushing can’t reach. Scaling removes plaque and tartar, while root planing smooths tooth roots to help gums reattach. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. After treatment, some tooth sensitivity and gum tenderness are normal for a few days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Sedation options are available if you feel anxious. Most people find the procedure far more comfortable than expected.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Burien?
For early gingivitis, a professional cleaning typically costs $100 to $200. For periodontitis requiring scaling and root planing, costs average $200 to $400 per quadrant, bringing the total to $800 to $1,600 if all four quadrants need treatment. Most dental insurance plans cover 50% to 80% of periodontal treatment costs because it’s medically necessary. We accept all major PPO plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, and Cigna, and offer Cherry financing for additional flexibility. Contact us to discuss your insurance and payment options.
What are the early warning signs of gum disease?
Watch for red, swollen, or puffy gums; bleeding when you brush or floss; persistent bad breath; gums pulling away from your teeth; loose or shifting teeth; pus between teeth and gums; or pain when chewing. Many people dismiss bleeding gums as normal, but healthy gums should not bleed from brushing. Some patients have gum disease without obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental exams are essential. If you notice any warning signs, schedule an evaluation right away. Early intervention can reverse damage before it becomes permanent.
How often do I need cleanings if I have gum disease?
Most patients with gum disease need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard twice-yearly schedule. This increased frequency is essential because bacteria recolonize below the gumline more quickly in patients with periodontal disease. These maintenance visits involve deep cleaning below the gumline, monitoring pocket depths, and catching problems early. Your specific frequency depends on your pocket depths, home care habits, and how your gums respond to treatment. Most insurance plans cover these visits when documented as medically necessary.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes, research has established strong connections between gum disease and several serious health conditions. The chronic inflammation and bacteria from periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream and contribute to heart disease and stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. The good news is treating gum disease can improve these systemic risks. Controlling oral bacteria and reducing chronic inflammation benefits not just your mouth but your entire body. This connection makes gum disease treatment essential preventative healthcare, not just a cosmetic concern.
Dr. Andy Kim
Dedicated to providing expert dental care with a focus on patient comfort, advanced treatments, and long-lasting healthy smiles.
Dr. Payal Patel
Passionate about creating confident smiles with personalized orthodontic treatments, ensuring patients achieve perfect.
Dr. Jane Chang
Specializes in enhancing smiles with advanced cosmetic procedures, from teeth whitening to veneers, for a radiant, natural look.
We make quality dental care affordable with flexible payment options.
We are in-network with Delta Dental PPO, MetLife, Cigna Dental, Aetna Dental, Guardian, Ameritas Dental, United Concordia, United Healthcare Dental, Humana Dental, Principal Financial Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Principal Dental. Our office files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment.
We offer financing through Cherry and other trusted partners, allowing you to break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.
Questions? Call us at (206) 246-3222 to discuss your insurance coverage or financing options.
Burien Signature Dentistry offers comprehensive dentistry for patients throughout Burien, WA. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic procedures, our conservative and preventative approach delivers exceptional results.
Looking for an experienced dentist in Burien, WA? Dr. Andy Kim and our team at Burien Signature Dentistry provide expert general and cosmetic dental care to patients throughout the Burien area, including Normandy Park, Seahurst, Des Moines, Tukwila, and surrounding communities.
We serve patients from Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, White Center, Riverton Heights, and throughout South King County. Our office welcomes new patients and offers convenient scheduling to fit your busy life. No referral needed – you can schedule directly with our caring team.
- 131 SW 156th St Suite 200, Burien, WA 98166
- 206-246-3222
- Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM
- Saturday–Sunday, Closed
