Periodontal Disease Diagnosis
A periodontal examination helps identify gum inflammation, deep pockets, bone loss, and other signs of periodontal disease so the appropriate care can be recommended.
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 checkup.
A periodontal probe, a small dental instrument, is gently used to measure the sulcus—the pocket or space between the tooth and gums. A healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate whether pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually become deeper.
Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, the amount of bleeding and inflammation, tooth mobility, and other findings to make a diagnosis that falls into one of the following categories.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxic by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.
Periodontitis
Plaque hardens into calculus, also known as 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, affected teeth can become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.