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Diagnosis

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.  The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed.  The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Your dentist or hygienist will use 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, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Periodontitis

Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar).  As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth.  Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus.  The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily.  Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

Advanced Periodontitis

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed.  Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost.  Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

Testimonials

I would highly recommend Dr. Grover and his team. I can't think of better run doctor's office. Every appointment is timly and I appreciate that. DR. Grover has done an excellent job with my procedures. Thank You!

Randy Tice

Every once in a while, you are granted the opportunity to bask in the presence of someone of such high character that you feel a twinge of regret when the experience is over. Dr. Grover and his team are the Best!!!!

Ken George

Thank you so much for the comfort you and your staff gave me for my gum surgery. I am not avery good patient sometimes but you made me really enjoy my visit, its the first time ever that I went to a dentist office that made me feel like a patient instead of just a number. If ever I will recommend you and your staff. Thank you again!! WHAT A GREAT FEELING!! Thank you,

Sue Reynolds

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