OUR PROCEDURES

Diagnosis

A Periodontal disease diagnosis by your dentist or dental hygienist is conducted during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

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:

Seattle SmileWorks Seattle Family Dentist Periodontal Disease Diagnosis Procedures

Gingivitis Diagnosis

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 Diagnosis

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 Diagnosis

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. So, unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may also be present.

“I went to Seattle SmileWorks after having some prior dental work that was very poor. Seattle SmileWorks and his staff were kind, patient and listened to my concerns. It was a refreshing and needed change. He explained the treatment procedures and worked with us, respectfully. I highly recommend Seattle SmileWorks to anyone, but especially those with high anxiety.”