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.