Diagnosis

Periodontal disease typically involves inflammation and infection that ultimately destroys the tissues that support the teeth, gums, periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets (alveolar bone).

It is very important to include overall dental health exam as part of you regular visit as they are key to diagonse Periodontal disease, tyically conducted by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination.

A healthy sulcus (pocket or space b/w tooth and gum) measures three millimeters or less and they does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper. During your visit, you dentist or Dental hyginist uses a probe (small dental instrument) to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.

After the comprehensive exam that includes examination of of pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility etc., your dentist will make a diagnosis that will fall into one of a category below:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease typically occurs due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and most likely make them bleed.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is second stage of periodontal disease in which plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to moveaway from the teeth resulted in deeper pockets between gums and teeth. These pockets then filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Typically slight to moderate bone loss has also seen patients with Periodontitis.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced Periodontitis is advance stage of periodontal disease in which 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 fo severe bone loss may be present.