CHECKING FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASES

During your dental check-up, the dentist examines your gums. This is called a periodontal examination. A periodontal probe is gently used to measure the depth of the sulcus surrounding each tooth. The depth of the healthy sulcus is usually three millimeters or less. The periodontal probe can indicate whether you have developed any pockets and the depth of those pockets. Generally, the more severe the disease, the deeper the pocket.

Dental X-rays also may be taken to evaluate the amount of bone supporting the teeth and to detect other problems not visible during the clinical examination. If periodontal disease is diagnosed, the dentist may provide treatment or may refer you to periodontist, a dentist who specialized in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases.

TREATING PERIODONTAL DISEASES

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. If the disease is caught very early (gingivitis), and no damage has been done, you might simply be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene.

The first non-surgical step usually involves a special cleaning, called scaling and root planning, to remove plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. This is sometimes referred to as “periodontal” or “deep cleaning” and may take more than one visit.

Your dentist also may recommend medications to help control infection and pain, or to aid healing. These medications could include a pill, a mouthrinse, or a substance that the dentist places directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planning. Your dentist may also stress the need to control any related systemic disease, like diabetes.

At the next visit, the dentist checks the pocket depth to determine the effect of the scaling and root planning. If the disease has advanced to the point where the periodontal pockets are deep and the supporting bones is lost, surgery may be necessary. You may be referred to a periodontist for this treatment.