Periodontal evaluation
Dr. Lee measures the spaces between your gums and teeth, evaluates bleeding and inflammation, and uses X-rays when she needs to assess the supporting bone.
Gum disease treatment in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee evaluates the gums and supporting bone to determine whether inflammation can be managed with preventive care or whether periodontal treatment is needed.
For patients with periodontitis, treatment focuses on removing plaque and tartar from diseased areas around the tooth roots and establishing a maintenance plan that protects the tissues supporting the teeth.
Periodontal health
Why should gum disease be treated?
Periodontal treatment protects the gums, connective tissues, and bone that support your teeth by controlling the bacterial buildup associated with periodontal inflammation.
Dr. Lee uses periodontal measurements, findings, and diagnostic imaging to distinguish routine preventive needs from disease that requires active periodontal treatment.
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Gum recession
- Persistent bad breath
- Changes in tooth support or mobility
What does gum disease treatment involve?
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic deep cleaning used to treat periodontitis. The procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline and from the root surfaces inside periodontal pockets.
Periodontal maintenance
After active periodontal treatment, ongoing maintenance removes new plaque and tartar and gives Dr. Lee repeated measurements of gum and bone stability.
What are the steps of gum disease treatment?
- Measure periodontal health. Dr. Lee evaluates pocket depths, bleeding, gum position, tooth support, and diagnostic imaging to define the periodontal condition.
- Select the treatment. She uses those findings to determine whether preventive cleaning, scaling and root planing, additional periodontal therapy, or specialist care is indicated.
- Reassess the response. After active treatment, Dr. Lee evaluates how the tissues have responded and whether periodontal measurements have stabilized.
- Establish maintenance. She sets an ongoing periodontal maintenance interval based on the areas that need continued professional management.
Do I need gum disease treatment?
Periodontal evaluation is appropriate for patients with persistent bleeding or swelling, gum recession, deeper periodontal pockets, bone loss, tooth mobility, or a previous diagnosis of gum disease.
Smoking, diabetes, dry mouth, some medications, and other medical or behavioral factors can affect periodontal risk and are considered as part of the treatment plan.
When should you schedule a gum evaluation?
Schedule an evaluation if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, soreness, recession, bad breath, or a change in the way a tooth feels supported.
Dr. Lee also evaluates periodontal health during routine dental exams, allowing the treatment plan to respond to measured changes rather than relying only on symptoms.
What affects the cost of gum disease treatment?
Your periodontal cost depends on the diagnosis, the number of areas treated, the services Dr. Lee recommends, and the maintenance plan. Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans and can verify how your benefits apply.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Insurance benefits vary by periodontal service and individual plan.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002. She measures the health of your gums, provides nonsurgical gum treatment when appropriate, and can refer you to a specialist if you need more advanced periodontal care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation limited to the gums without the attachment and bone loss used to diagnose periodontitis. Periodontitis affects the supporting structures around the teeth and requires disease-specific treatment and ongoing monitoring.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from the tooth and root surfaces above and below the gumline when periodontitis is present.
How is deep cleaning different from a routine cleaning?
A routine cleaning is preventive care for stable gums. Deep cleaning treats periodontal disease by cleaning deeper root surfaces and periodontal pockets that are not addressed by routine prophylaxis.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingival inflammation can often improve when plaque and tartar are controlled. Periodontitis involves loss of supporting tissue and is managed with active treatment, reassessment, and ongoing periodontal maintenance rather than treated as a one-time cleaning.
Will I need periodontal maintenance after deep cleaning?
Many patients with periodontitis require ongoing periodontal maintenance after active treatment. Dr. Lee sets the interval from the stability of your gums, pocket measurements, and other findings.
Will I need to see a periodontist?
Dr. Lee evaluates the severity and complexity of the periodontal condition. She coordinates specialist care when surgical treatment or periodontal management beyond the scope of general practice is indicated.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
Persistent bleeding can occur with gum inflammation. Schedule an evaluation so Dr. Lee can measure your periodontal health and determine whether preventive care or active treatment is appropriate.
Does Smile Art accept dental insurance for periodontal treatment?
Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans. The team can verify your benefits and explain how your coverage applies to the periodontal services included in your treatment plan.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.