Diagnosis of Periodontitis
During periodontal examinations, the dentist or dental hygienist in Brooklyn, NY works to classify what periodontal disease is present and what state of progression it is in. This type of examination should take place as part of your regularly scheduled dental check-ups.
Periodontal examinations are completed with the use of periodontal probes, a small dental instrument that gently measures the space between the tooth and the gums. This space is called the sulcus, and its size can help determine the state of health of a person’s mouth.
A healthy sulcus will be three millimeters deep or smaller and will not bleed. If the probe measures a greater depth, this is a sign of periodontal disease progression.
Our Brooklyn Dentist, Dr. Shahin, and our dental hygienists are trained to take note of any bleeding, inflammation, or tooth mobility, as well as sulcus pocket depth, during periodontal examinations. They use their findings to categorize periodontal disease into the following three categories:
Gingivitis
As the first stage of periodontitis, also known as gum disease, gingivitis takes place when plaque, tartar, and toxic by-products build up in the mouth irritating the gums. Gums become inflamed, tender, and prone to bleeding.
Periodontitis
The next stage of gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar, or calculus, build up and the gums recede from the teeth. The gums bleed very easily and become inflamed. There may also be slight to moderate bone loss. When periodontitis is present, deep pockets form in the sulcus and fill with pus and bacteria.
Advanced Periodontitis
As periodontitis progresses to the advanced stage, further damage is done to the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament. If this disease goes untreated, moderate to severe bone loss can take place and teeth will become loose and may be lost.