Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.
A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.
Periodontal Disease
Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.
Periodontitis: Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.
Advanced Periodontitis: The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.
A small periodontal probe gently measures the space between your teeth and gums. Pockets deeper than three millimeters indicate varying stages of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is categorized as Gingivitis, Periodontitis, or Advanced Periodontitis. Each stage guides the appropriate treatment plan your dentist will recommend.
A periodontal examination should always be included as part of your regular dental check-up to catch and address any signs of gum disease at the earliest possible stage.
Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist. Contact our office to schedule your examination today.
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