Diagnosis
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated. South Bay Dentistry offers expert care and solutions to combat periodontal disease. Our skilled team of dentists & orthodontists in Gardena utilizes thorough examinations and effective treatments to restore gum health and ensure your smile stays bright and healthy.
Your dentist or dental hygienist can diagnose periodontal disease through a periodontal examination, which should be included as a routine part of your dental check-up. This examination involves the identification of potential gum disease signs. To measure the sulcus (the pocket or space) between your tooth and gums, a small dental instrument known as a periodontal probe is utilized.
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 assess the state of your gums. Your diagnosis may be categorized as below:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is referred to as the first stage of periodontal disease. It’s caused when plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.
Periodontitis
As plaque hardens into calculus (tartar) The most common symptoms of this disease are bleeding gums, loose teeth, and receding gums. Other symptoms include sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, pain in the jaw joint, and headache due to increased pressure in the jaw. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily.
Advanced Periodontitis
As time goes on, the teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continues to be destroyed. Eventually, the teeth become loose in their sockets. They can also become discolored and more prone to cavities.
Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.
