How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
If you have healthy gums, they fit snugly around your teeth. With periodontal disease, the supporting bone and gum are destroyed, forming pockets around your teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist can determine whether or not you have periodontal disease by measuring the depth of pockets. A periodontal probe, a dental instrument that is used like a ruler, is inserted into the pocket. The probe measures the depth of the pocket from the crest of the gingiva to the base of the pocket. A healthy sulcus ranges between 0 to 3 millimeters in depth. Spaces with a depth of more than 4 millimeters are called pockets and are evidence of periodontal disease and a depth greater than 6 millimeters indicates advanced periodontal disease. If your gum disease is left untreated, you may need surgery.
Related Questions
- I have periodontal (gum) disease and was recently diagnosed with cardiovascular (heart) disease. Does periodontal disease put me at greater risk for having a heart attack or stroke?
- I was recently diagnosed with periodontal disease. How often should I see my periodontist for an examination?
- How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
