Periodontal Disease Diagnosis
Our regular dental exams always include a periodontal examination and your Dentist or Dental Hygienist will diagnose the disease in the course of your exam. A small instrument know as a periodontal probe will measure the space between your teeth and gums. Healthy gums will measure 3 mm or less and have no bleeding. The more advanced the periodontal disease, the deeper the pockets. Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist will use these methods and their years of experience to determine if you have periodontal disease and what stage it is in.
Gingivitis
This is the first stage of the disease. Gums are irritated by plaque and other toxins. This stage will make your gums tender, but not necessarily painful, inflamed and bleeding gums.
Periodontitis
This is the next stage of periodontal disease and will cause the gums to begin to recede from your teeth. Bacteria and pus will begin to fill pockets that have formed between teeth and gums. You will notice inflamed, extremely irritated gums that bleed easily. There may also be some slight bone loss in the stage.
Advanced Periodontitis
This is the next stage of periodontal disease and will cause the gums to begin to recede from your teeth. Bacteria and pus will begin to fill pockets that have formed between teeth and gums. You will notice inflamed, extremely irritated gums that bleed easily. There may also be some slight bone loss in the stage.