Perioscopy · Marysville, WA
See below the gumline. Treat it without cutting.
Perioscopy uses a tiny dental camera (an endoscope) so Dr. Ben Choi can see below your gumline on a monitor while he cleans tartar (calculus) off the root surfaces. It's a non-surgical treatment. The aim is to help gum pockets heal without cutting the gums.
Book a consultation
or call (360) 386-5055
What Dr. Choi sees: tartar being removed under magnification
Dr. Choi and his assistant during a perioscopy visit
Silent clips from real visits in our office. Patient identity hidden.
Who it can help
Perioscopy may be a good fit if:
- You still have deep gum pockets after regular cleanings.
- Your gums keep bleeding or stay inflamed.
- You'd like a less invasive option to try before gum surgery.
Dr. Choi makes the final recommendation after examining your gums.
How a visit works
- Exam and measuring Dr. Choi measures your gum pockets and reviews your X-rays to find the areas that need treatment.
- Numbing The areas being treated are numbed with local anesthetic.
- Scope-guided cleaning With the camera below the gumline, Dr. Choi cleans tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces while watching on the monitor.
- Follow-up visit We re-check your healing at a follow-up visit to see how your gums responded and plan any next steps.
Recovery
Most patients have only mild soreness, and many feel almost normal afterward. Follow the instructions we give you after your visit, and see our Post-Op Care page anytime. If something doesn't feel right, call us at (360) 386-5055.
Perioscopy, surgery, or LANAP?
Each treats gum disease in a different way.
Perioscopy
Non-surgical. A camera guides deep cleaning of the roots below the gumline. No cutting of the gums.
LANAP laser
A laser-assisted gum procedure for pockets that need more than cleaning. No scalpel or stitches are typically used.
Gum surgery
The gums are opened to clean and reshape the area directly. Used for advanced pockets or bone loss.
Dr. Choi recommends one based on your exam, and some patients use more than one over time.
Questions patients ask
Is perioscopy surgery?
No. Perioscopy is a non-surgical deep cleaning. The gums are not cut or stitched; a tiny camera lets Dr. Choi see the root surfaces below the gumline while he cleans them.
Will I be numb?
Yes. We always numb the treated areas with local anesthetic so you can stay comfortable during the cleaning.
How many visits will I need?
Usually just one visit. Dr. Choi will confirm your plan after your exam.
Does perioscopy replace gum surgery?
Not always. For many pockets, scope-guided cleaning is a reasonable first step before considering surgery. Some deeper or bone-related problems may still need LANAP or surgical treatment. Dr. Choi will recommend an option based on your exam and how your gums heal, which we re-check at a follow-up visit.
Is it covered by insurance?
Plans vary. Our office manager will check your benefits for you before treatment.
Your periodontist
Ben Choi, DMD, MSD · UW Periodontics · Kois Specialist Graduate · UW Affiliate Faculty
Find out if perioscopy is right for you.
A consultation includes a full gum exam and a clear recommendation.
Call (360) 386-5055
Ben Choi Periodontics & Implants · 1533 Grove St, Marysville, WA 98270 Mon–Fri 9:00–5:00
Ben Choi, DMD, MSD
UW Periodontics · Kois Specialist Graduate · UW Affiliate Faculty
Serving Marysville, Everett, Lake Stevens, Arlington, Snohomish & surrounding communities