Visual periodontitis diagnosis is done by inspecting the teeth and the gingiva area for plaque, bleeding, gum pockets, and inflammation. While you can check these signs at home, seek professional help because periodontitis is a serious disease that can damage your gum.
Delving Deeper Into Professional Periodontitis Diagnosis
Professionals have a deeper understanding of oral health and treatment approaches to various oral-related conditions. They diagnose periodontitis using the following methods:
Examining The Mouth
Dentists examine the mouth to look for plaque buildup around the teeth. Additionally, they check the gum for injuries and weaknesses causing bleeding.
Reviewing Medical History
The medical history helps to identify any factors that could be linked to periodontitis symptoms. For instance, smoking or taking certain medicines can cause symptoms related to periodontitis, like bone loss.
Measuring the Depths of Gum Pockets
Your periodontist will place a dental probe (tiny ruler) between the teeth and gum line to determine the pocket depth. Healthy gums have a pocket depth of 1 to 3 mm. So, pockets extending to 4 mm and above may indicate periodontitis.
Dental X-Rays
Your periodontist will use the dental X-ray method to check for bone loss around the areas with deeper pockets. Bone loss and deeper gum pockets are clear signs of periodontitis.
How Is Periodontitis Treated?
If the pockets are too deep, your periodontist will perform flap surgery to expose the tooth root for effective scaling and root planning. However, if your gum has pulled away from your teeth and exposed the underneath roots, your periodontist will perform soft tissue grafts. Soft tissue graft is done by removing a small amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth to attach it to the affected gum area.
Conversely, the periodontist will opt for less invasive procedures (non-surgical) if you have less advanced periodontitis. The procedures involve scaling to remove tartar, root planing to smooth the surface, and antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
Do you need periodontitis diagnosis? Visit our dentists for examination and guidance on periodontal disease diagnosis and treatment.
Dental Blog - San Antonio • Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists We post dental blogs to pique your interest and educate our San Antonio community about topics related to dentistry, dental implants, and oral health. Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, 1130 E Sonterra Blvd, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78258; (210) 614-4700; aestheticperiodontist.com; 12/17/2024; Page Keywords: Dental Implants San Antonio TX;
Visual periodontitis diagnosis is done by inspecting the teeth and the gingiva area for plaque, bleeding, gum pockets, and inflammation. While you can check these signs at home, seek professional help because periodontitis is a serious disease that can damage your gum.