Diagnosis

The word periodontal means “around the tooth”.  Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth.  Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva.  If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).  When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone.  Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it!  Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:

• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
• Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Periodontal disease is diagnosed 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.

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.

Give us a call at (561) 395-4500 to schedule an appointment to diagnosis your dental problems.