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.