A Strong Foundation: Your Path to Lasting Gum Health and Implants
For many, gum issues or missing teeth can compromise both the health and aesthetics of their smile. But what if you could restore that foundation with precision, care, and advanced technology? At Plaza Pointe Dental Specialists, our Mukilteo periodontist provides comprehensive care for your gums and jawbone, creating a stable base for your smile.
We understand that issues like gum disease or tooth loss can be daunting, and our mission is to provide gentle, effective dental care to help you achieve lasting oral wellness. Call us today at (425) 215-0001 to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from Mukilteo, Edmonds, Everett, and Lynnwood, offering a compassionate approach to periodontal care to help maintain optimal oral health and dental implant solutions.
Meet Dr. Tracy Scott, DMD, a Top Periodontist Near You
Dr. Tracy Scott is a nationally respected periodontist and implant specialist with over 30 years of experience. A Navy veteran, he earned his dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. A highlight of his career was his assignment at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School at Bethesda Naval Hospital, often called the “President’s Hospital.”
Here, he served as the Periodontics Chairman, specializing in the treatment and rehabilitation of wounded warriors. This assignment deeply shaped his treatment philosophy: patients first, with no second priority.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a recognized dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease), as well as the placement of dental implants. A periodontist is a highly trained gum specialist who possesses extensive knowledge of the complex structures that support your teeth, including your gums, alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament, and is skilled in procedures such as scaling and root planing. Their advanced training equips them to handle intricate cases involving inflammation, infection, and the regeneration of lost gum and bone tissue.
When Should I Visit a Periodontist in Mukilteo?
You should visit a periodontist in Mukilteo if you’re experiencing signs of gum disease or if you require specialized procedures for the health of your gums and jawbone. A referral from your general dentist is common, but it’s also wise to seek a periodontist directly if you have symptoms like persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums that bleed easily, gums that are pulling away from your teeth (gum recession), or loose teeth.
Ready to meet Dr. Scott and discuss your periodontics or dental implant needs? Call us at (425) 215-0001 to schedule your consultation.
Our Periodontic and Implant Dentistry Services
Same-Day Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved. We offer same-day extractions for teeth that are causing pain, are a source of infection, or are beyond restoration. Our goal is to make the process as comfortable as possible, providing immediate relief and helping you plan for a future tooth replacement, such as a dental implant.
Sedation Dentistry
We understand that dental anxiety is a real concern. Sedation dentistry helps you feel calm and relaxed during your appointment. We offer various sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation, which are administered with the utmost care by our experienced team. This allows you to receive the dental care you need without the fear or discomfort that often holds people back.
Wisdom Teeth and Surgical Extractions
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often need to be removed if they are impacted or causing crowding, pain, or infection. Our practice performs surgical extractions, including the removal of wisdom teeth, with a focus on patient comfort and safety. We carefully plan these procedures to minimize discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most effective and durable tooth replacement option available. They consist of a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root, which is surgically placed into your jawbone. This provides a stable foundation for a custom-made dental crown or bridge. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, preserving your jawbone and preventing future tooth loss, while also contributing to the prevention of conditions such as heart disease.
Bone Grafting
If you’ve experienced bone loss in your jaw due to periodontal disease, trauma, or a missing tooth, you may not have enough bone to support a dental implant. Bone grafting is a procedure that rebuilds and strengthens the jawbone. By adding bone material, we create a solid foundation that can successfully anchor a dental implant, making you a candidate for this permanent tooth replacement option.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is a specific type of bone grafting procedure used when there isn’t enough bone in the upper jaw (maxilla) to place dental implants. The sinus membrane is carefully lifted, and bone graft material is placed into the space below it. This increases the amount of bone in the area, creating the necessary support for successful dental implant surgery.
Gum Grafting
Gum recession can expose the tooth roots, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of decay. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure to address this issue. A periodontist will take healthy gum tissue from another part of your mouth or use donor tissue to cover the exposed root surfaces. This restores the gum line, protects your teeth, and improves the overall appearance of your smile.
Benefits of Visiting a Periodontic Specialist in Washington
Advanced Skill and Experience
A periodontist has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of all stages of periodontal disease, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. This specialized knowledge allows for more precise diagnoses and effective, long-term treatment plans. Dental plaque is the primary etiological factor for periodontal disease.
Comprehensive Implant Care
When it comes to dental implants, a periodontist is uniquely qualified. Their training in the anatomy of the jaw and gum tissue helps ensure proper placement of the implant, which is crucial for stability and success.
Focus on Prevention and Maintenance
A periodontist’s work doesn’t stop after treatment. They are focused on helping you maintain the health of your gums to prevent future problems. This ongoing care is vital for patients prone to gum disease, helping you protect your smile for years to come. After treatment, regular maintenance check-ups are crucial to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Periodontic practices often use the latest technology and techniques, such as 3D imaging for precise implant placement and microsurgical tools for procedures, leading to more predictable and comfortable outcomes. Laser therapy in periodontics uses lasers to remove infected tissue and bacteria, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery.