Diagnosis
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.
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.
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