How are periodontal diseases diagnosed?

It’s possible to have periodontal disease without any apparent symptoms. That’s why regular dental checkups and periodontal exams are very important. During your dental checkup we will perform a periodontal exam using a periodontal probe. This instrument has measurement lines on it and it is used to gently measure the depth of the sulcus around each tooth in six places. The depth of a healthy sulcus is usually 3 mm or less. Generally the deeper the pockets, the more severe the periodontal disease is. Dental x-rays are also used to evaluate the amount of bone supporting the teeth and to detect other problems not visible during the clinical examination.

Several warning signs can signal a problem. If you notice any of the following, you may have periodontal disease:

• Gums that easily bleed
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between teeth and gums
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of your partial denture

If we do diagnose you with periodontal disease, we usually will perform definitive procedures to control it. However, sometimes we will need to refer you to a Periodontist (Gum Specialist) if you have a more advanced case.