Periodontal diagnosis

Periodontitis is a gum disorder. It is activated by bacterias inhabiting our mouth. If left untreated, it causes severe infection and inflammation of the teeth and its supporting framework resulting in tooth loss.

There are four stages of periodontal disease, namely Gingivitis, Initial periodontitis, Mid periodontitis, and Progressive periodontitis. Periodontal diseases are caused due to the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth in the form of a transparent film of plaque. This eventually affects the teeth, gums, and supporting bone, damaging it in the process.

The main problems faced in a patient suffering from periodontal disease are difficulty in speaking, biting, and chewing food. It also damages the aesthetics of your smile.

Symptoms and Signs

The first sign is inflammation of the gums, followed by reddening and bleeding from the same.

The other symptoms include:

Change of positions of the teeth in the jaw
Changes in breath and a persistent bad taste
Receding gums, making the gums look longer
Increased bleeding due to brushing or flossing between teeth
Pain and difficulty in chewing

What is the Diagnosis?

The following are the stages in diagnosing periodontal disease:

In the first appointment with the dentist, you will go through a basic periodontal examination. This will determine the severity of the gum disease. A periodontal probe is used to measure the perforation of the gums at various places inside your mouth. This helps to understand the distance between the socket and gum line. For more than 4mm penetration, periodontitis is usually present.
A periodontal chart measuring the height of the attachment level is used for accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
A dental x-ray is performed, confirming the presence of periodontitis. Two bite-wing images are taken. A more severe stage of periodontitis requires panoramic radiography of the whole mouth. This indicates the amount of bone deterioration.
A microbiological test is then performed, and a few harmful bacterias are checked for. The treatment proceeds likewise based on the observations.
Periodontal disease is named by four stages and three grades. The stages indicate the rigidness of the disease, and the grade expresses the rate of advancement. This is an internationally recognized method to classify periodontitis. Once the disease is properly understood, the dentist can immediately start with the treatment.

Treatment

You will go through a set of oral hygiene instructions and advice. Your teeth will be professionally cleaned. After a few weeks, an antibiotic therapy followed by a reassessment session is done. In severe cases, corrective surgical therapy is used.

Please reach out to Persimmon Dental Care in Dublin, CA, to have a consultation with our dentists. Please call us at (925) 999-8282 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.