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 mouthrinses)
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 planing. 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.
