Testing
For Periodontal Disease
During your
checkup, the dentist will examine your gums. This is called a
periodontal examination. An instrument called a periodontal probe
is used to gently measure the pocket space between each tooth
and gum. This will determine the depth of periodontal pockets.
A pocket size of three millimeters is considered normal unless
gum recession is present. Generally the more severe the disease,
the greater the pocket depth.
Treatment
methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition
has progressed.
The first
step is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to
remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gumline, The tooth
roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the
gum tissue the heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases,
the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.
Antibiotics
or irrigation with antimicrobials (chemical agents or mouth rinses)
may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that
create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, the dentist
may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling
and planning. This may be done to control infection and to encourage
normal healing.
When deep
pockets between teeth and gums (4 to 6mm or greater are present,
it is difficult for the dentist to thoroughly remove plaque and
tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean
and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore
periodontal health.
