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.
