How does a dentist diagnose periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up. A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.

How does a periodontist check for gum disease?

From there, we will examine your gums and check for gumline recession and look at your bite. We can use a probe to determine the depths of periodontal pockets. This helps us to assess the health of your gums. X-rays allow us to observe the bone below the gumline.

Can a general dentist treat periodontal disease?

While a general dentist can treat gum disease with cleanings, and scaling and root planing, a periodontist can treat advanced periodontal disease cases that a general dentist cannot.

How do u know if you have periodontitis?

Signs and symptoms of periodontitis can include:

1. Swollen or puffy gums.
2. Bright red, dusky red or purplish gums.
3. Gums that feel tender when touched.
4. Gums that bleed easily.
5. Pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing.
6. Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth.
7. Bad breath.
8. Pus between your teeth and gums.

Is it easy to diagnose periodontitis?

Diagnosing periodontitis An examination by the dentist is the only way to correctly assess the condition of the gums. In addition to the clinical assessment with a gum probe, X-rays must also be taken to assess the condition of the bone.

Can periodontitis be seen on xray?

X-rays in Periodontal Evaluation Since the bone is what keeps your teeth secure, bone loss is an indication of periodontitis, which is a serious oral infection. By utilizing x-rays, your dentist can spot bone loss early and refer you to a periodontist who can diagnose your stage of gum disease.

How is chronic periodontitis treated?

In fact, most cases of chronic periodontitis are successfully managed by mechanical removal/reduction of bacterial mass and calculus in the subgingival environment by scaling and root planing.

How do you know if a dentist is a periodontist?

In the simplest terms, a dentist treats the teeth, gums, and other areas of the mouth while a periodontist only treats the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. The periodontist typically sees severe, complex cases that require a specialist rather than having the patient see a general dentist.

What kind of dentist should I see for gum disease?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. They also help you manage signs of advancing gum problems like oral inflammation.

Is it possible to cure periodontal disease?

There is no cure for serious gum or periodontal disease, known as periodontitis, but it can be prevented and controlled by good oral hygiene habits, nutrition, a functional bite, and by not smoking. All these measures are especially important for those with diabetes who are at higher risk of suffering from periodontitis.

What is the treatment for gum infection?

Scale and polish. To remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that can build up on your teeth,your dentist may suggest that you have your teeth scaled and polished.

Can you treat gum disease?

Mild cases of gum disease can usually be treated by maintaining a good level of oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. You should also make sure you go for regular dental check-ups.

What is periapical periodontitis?

Periapical periodontitis (AP) is an acute or chronic inflammatory lesion around the apex of a tooth root which is usually caused by bacterial invasion of the pulp of the tooth.