Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your team at Limestone Dental during a periodontal examination.  This type of exam is part of the New Patient Experience as well as  your regular dental check-up.

A periodontal probe (a small ruler marked in millimeters) is used to measure the collar of gum (called the sulcus) around the tooth.  A healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less in depth and does not bleed.  The periodontal probe indicates if pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets get deeper.

We use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, looseness of the teeth, bad breath, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into one of the categories below:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.  It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that is deposited on the teeth. Plaque and its toxic by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed. This is the easiest type of periodontal disease to treat. It is controlled by thorough cleaning, correct brushing and flossing, and regular dental visits. 

Periodontitis

As plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), the inflamed 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.  At this stage, the bone that holds the teeth in place begins to shrink away. Early periodontits is treated by removing the tartar deposits from the pockets, a procedure called scaling and root planing.

Advanced Periodontitis

As the bone loss around the teeth continues, the teeth begin to loosen and, without aggressive treatment, will eventually be lost. At this stage the disease is treated by a gum specialist, or periodontist.  With skillful treatment and regular care, it is often possible to save these compromised teeth for many years.

For a more thorough description of the causes and effects of periodontal disease, click here.