Periodontal examination assesses the health and condition of your gums and teeth. It helps to diagnose gum disease, also referred to as gingivitis, and to determine the appropriate treatment. During a periodontal screening, your Carlsbad dentist or hygienist will check your gums’ color, texture and shape. They will also probe the depths of periodontal pockets. Missing or loose teeth are also checked.
Periodontal pocket depths is the space between your tooth and gum or the place where the gum attaches to the tooth. Pockets that are deeper than normal can be an indication of gum disease. Healthy gums snug tightly around the tooth and normal pockets measures only 1-3 millimeters deep. Diseased gums tend to swell, bleed and detach from the tooth, resulting in deeper pockets.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it may develop into a more serious periodontal disease called periodontitis, in which case the pockets can be more than 10 millimeters deep. In this stage, the gum is completely detached, loosening the tooth because the soft tissue and the bone anchoring the tooth in place has been lost.
Based on the periodontal examination and evaluation, your dental team at Carlsbad Dental Associates will diagnose whether or not periodontal disease is present and what appropriate treatment is best for you.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a very serious dental disease that affects many people. It is caused by bacteria from plaque formations on the teeth. In the mouth, there are constant plaque formations on the teeth, but when the plaque formations become severe, the body’s immune system will try to fight the bacteria from plaque. This causes inflammation in the gums that results in swelling and bleeding, which are early signs of periodontal disease called gingivitis. In severe forms of periodontal disease, the bacteria will go under the gums are begin to damage the bone that supports the teeth and cause the teeth to become loose.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Gum color is reddish or purplish-red
- Gum looks swollen, enlarged or puffy
- Deeper pockets than normal
- Gum looks swollen, enlarged or puffy
- Gum shape is unusual, different of abnormal
- Bleeding around the gum
- Pungent smell that could indicate infection
- Loose or missing tooth
Possible Health Risks of Periodontal Disease
There have now been studies that have shown a connection between periodontal disease and other health concerns. These include:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory problems
- Increase risk of stroke
- Premature births in pregnant women
What Can You Do?
If you suspect that you may have early signs of periodontal disease such as gum disease due to inflammation and bleeding gums, many an appointment to consult with your dentist. At early stages, the process of the disease can be reversed through a cleaning or deep cleaning and proper oral hygiene maintenance. Maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist can help periodontal disease from occurring.
We Accept New Patients
Carlsbad Dental Associates is currently accepting new patients. To request an appointment, please call our office at (760) 918-9000 or click here ».
