Periodontal Diagnosis

Schedule Your Consultation

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.

Contact Us
Icon

TESTIMONIALS

Dear Familycare Dental,

My thanks to your full staff for the courtesy and honesty shown to me in replacing my cap.

Enjoy your morning!

Linda Nelson

Rob,

Josh and I wanted to personally thank you for assisting us with our dental care. We really appreciate it. Hope you enjoy.

Chanel and Josh

Dear Dr. Tran,

I would like to give my thanks to Dr. Tran and assistant Rose for being so understanding and caring while trying to make me more comfortable. Thank you also, Mr. Levin, for making sure we were taken care of.

Thank you

Amy and Derek Berg

Dear Robert,

Thank you very much Rob, for helping me out. That meant a lot to me, and I just wanted you to know that I am very greatful. Hope you have a nice day.

Andrea Alvarez

SMILE GALLERY

Familycare’s Smile Makeovers

View Smile Gallery

Make An Appointment

Thank you for your message. It has been sent.
There was an error trying to send your message. Please try again later.