Diagnosis

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is diagnosed by your dentist, Dr. Brostowitz or Dr. Reed, during a periodontal examination. This type of exam is different from one that is looking for decay or cavities, and it is always a part of your regular dental check-up.

A periodontal probe is gently used to measure the space between the tooth and gums. Healthy measurements are around 1-3mm and there is no
bleeding when doing the measuring. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than 3mm. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.  You hygienist and dentist will document pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc, to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums and cause them to swell, be tender and to bleed.

Periodontitis

When plaque isn’t removed from teeth, it hardens and becomes a rock like substance called tartar or calculus. As this tartar accumulates, it releases
toxins and causes inflammation. The inflammation destroys the gum’s attachment to the tooth and the bone around the tooth. This process will continue and pockets become deeper and deeper. Since periodontitis (gum disease) is usually painless, the measurements, x-ray review of bone levels, and observed bleeding will help in your assessment.

Advanced Periodontitis

As the bacteria and toxins inhabit the area below your gums, they continue to grow and multiply creating deeper pockets. Any measurement of 6mm
or more indicates advanced bone loss. As with the earlier stages of gum disease, there is also bleeding, signs of recession, and inflammation.