Chicago Periodontal Disease Diagnosis - Chicago Dental Care

If you have not been diagnosed with periodontal disease, Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bagai would recommend that you make a periodontal exam a part of your next dental check up.

A periodontal exam consists of measuring the space or pocket (known as sulcus) between the tooth and gums. At Advanced Family Dental, periodontal exams are performed by one of Chicago Dentist Dr. Bagai’s team of dental hygienists who utilize a periodontal probe to measure the sulcus (in millimeters) between the tooth and gums. This process allows Dr. Bagai to determine whether you have periodontal disease measure its progression over the course of your regular dental exams. Healthy sulcus is a pocket between the tooth and gums that measures three millimeters or less – the presence of blood is also a determining factor in the health of the gum. A depth of more than three millimeters, inflammation, blood and tooth mobility are all signs of periodontal disease.

The following stages describe the phases of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis is often the initial stage of periodontal disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include: plaque build-up, irritation, tenderness, inflammation and the presence of blood.

Periodontis is typically the second stage of periodontal disease, signified by substantial plaque build-up that has hardened into calculus which is more commonly known as tartar. Over the course of time, as calculus and plaque build-up continues, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. As deeper pockets form, the sulcus can become filled with bacteria and pus. At this stage, there can be bone loss toward the root of the tooth structure and the gums will bleed easily and can become substantially irritated, inflamed.

Advanced Periodontis is an accelerated stage of periodontal disease and is categorized by greater irritation, inflammation and presence of blood as well as moderate to severe bone loss. Moreover, the root structure of the teeth in this stage is compromised as the gums fail to provide adequate support (accompanied by the continued destruction of periodontal ligaments). Advanced periodontis can lead to loose teeth and if untreated, tooth loss.

If you have any of the symptoms associated periodontal disease contact Chicago Dentist Dr. Bagai to schedule an exam.