Diagnosis

Periodontal disease is identified through a comprehensive periodontal examination conducted by your dentist or dental hygienist, an integral part of your routine dental check-up. Using a periodontal probe, a small dental instrument, they gently measure the sulcus pocket or space between the tooth and the gums. A healthy sulcus typically measures three millimeters or less and does not exhibit bleeding.

The depth measured by the periodontal probe serves as an indicator of any pockets deeper than three millimeters, suggesting potential periodontal issues. Various factors like pocket depths, bleeding, inflammation, and tooth mobility are considered to arrive at a diagnosis, categorized as follows:

• Gingivitis: The initial stage marked by tender, inflamed gums prone to bleeding due to plaque accumulation and its irritating by-products.
• Periodontitis: Plaque hardens into calculus, leading to gum recession, formation of deeper pockets filled with bacteria and pus, and significant gum inflammation and bleeding. Mild to moderate bone loss may occur.
• Advanced Periodontitis: Severe destruction of gums, bone, and periodontal ligament results in increased tooth mobility and potential tooth loss. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be observed.