Diagnosing Periodontal DiseaseWhat is periodontal disease? What are the symptoms?
It is also possible to have no noticeable symptoms. In fact, most people who have periodontal disease are not even aware of it. What causes periodontal disease? It is hard to see plaque, but plaque can clearly be seen after it is stained with a disclosing tablet. When plaque stays on your teeth for two or three days, it hardens into calculus, or tartar. The bacteria in plaque invade the spaces between your teeth and gums and produce toxins. These toxins, combined with your body’s reaction to them, destroy the bone around your teeth. And once lost, bone never grows back on its own. If there is not enough support for the teeth and they become loose, they might have to be removed. Diagnosis and treatment We measure the depth of the sulcus (a tiny groove between the tooth and gum) with a probe. A reading of more than 3 millimeters could be a sign of periodontal disease, and we pay careful attention to those areas. If we find periodontal disease, we discuss your treatment options and proper homecare. We want to help you maintain the health of your teeth, gums and bone and restore your healthy smile. Copyright © 2013, Patterson Companies, Inc. All Rights Reserved |