Symptoms & Diagnosis

Periodontal disease can easily go undetected and, often times, causes no discomfort. As a result, it may not be diagnosed until in an advanced stage. Late detection may result in tooth loss.

Warning signs and symptoms:

• Red, swollen, bleeding, tender gums
• Persistent halitosis (bad breath)
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating
• Loose gums, receding gums, or gum tissue that appears to be separating from the tooth
• Teeth feeling loose
• Teeth having an elongated appearance
• Pus or exudate from the gum tissue or between teeth
• Sores in the mouth
• Poor fitting partial dentures

Professional Diagnosis

Periodontal (gum) disease is diagnosed by measuring pocket depths and evaluating dental radiographs (x-rays) for bone loss during a comprehensive evaluation.

• An instrument called a probe is used to gently measure the depth around each tooth.
• Deeper pockets determine the stage of periodontal (gum) disease and treatment options.
• Dental radiographs (x-rays) are used to evaluate the bone supporting your teeth.
• Poor levels of bone are a sign of damage caused by periodontal (gum) disease.
• Bone is needed to keep teeth stable and supported.