Periodontal Examination

Periodontal Examination

In a periodontal examination, we want to assess how much damage has occurred, identify where ongoing disease continues, and develop a treatment plan to stop progressive periodontal attachment loss and restore a healthy dentition. We check for mobile (loose) teeth and measure the amount of gum recession. We evaluate the degree of inflammation by checking for puffiness and bleeding, as well as the presence of pus.

The most important part of a periodontal exam is the detection and measurement of periodontal pockets. This is done with a periodontal probe. The tip of the probe is gently placed between the gum and the tooth to measure the depth of the collar of gum tissue. Generally, probing depths of 0 – 3 millimeters are consistent with health because they are cleansable by routine patient home care. Probing depths of 4 millimeters and deeper are noted as periodontal pockets, which are not cleanable by the patient, and are therefore likely to deepen over time, if untreated.

Pockets are measured and recorded on a periodontal chart. At our office, we use computerized periodontal charting. This gives us clear, legible records for better communication with referring doctors and insurance providers. Computerized periodontal charting also facilitates long-term tracking of a patient’s periodontal health.

A complete periodontal examination includes a full mouth series of intraoral radiographs (x-rays), to check bone levels, teeth, and roots. If not available from your general dentist, computerized digital radiographs can be taken at our office. Digital radiographs provide instant results, with greater diagnostic detail than older film-based radiographs, while reducing x-ray exposure by over 50%. They can be transmitted electronically to your general dentist or insurance provider. Because they do not use chemical processing with special disposal requirements, digital radiographs are also more environmentally friendly than film-based systems.