Can a dentist actually measure the amount of destruction of periodontal disease?
Yes, to a great degree. We use an instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the crevice; i.e., the space between the tooth and the gum tissue. With this instrument we can actually survey the amount of bone destruction. The probe is marked in millimeter increments. 0-3 mm is generally healthy. 4mm is border line and 5mm or greater is an area of periodontal concern and treatment is indicated.
