708-442-1700

Periodontal Diagnosis

Your dentist or dental hygienist can diagnose periodontal disease during a regular check-up. A periodontal probe is used to measure the pockets between teeth and gums. That space should not be deeper than three millimeters. Pocket depth, amount of bleeding, inflammation, etc. are used to make a diagnosis. The following are most common categories:

  • GINGIVITIS: It is the first stage in periodontal disease. It is inflammation of the gum tissue. The most common form of gingivitis is in response to bacterial biofilm - plaque adherent to tooth surface. In absence of treatment it progresses to periodontitis.
  • PERIODONTITIS: It is a set of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissue that surround and support the teeth. It involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is caused by microorganisms that adhere and grow on the tooth’s surface.
PERIODONTAL - Diagnisis