
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination, which should be a standard part of your regular dental check-up.
During the exam, a periodontal probe (a small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (the pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. A healthy sulcus typically measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The probe helps identify any pockets that are deeper than three millimeters, which is a sign of progressing periodontal disease.
Request an AppointmentYour dentist or hygienist will evaluate various factors, including pocket depths, bleeding, inflammation, and tooth mobility, to classify the condition into one of the following categories:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease. At this stage, plaque and its toxic by-products irritate the gums, causing tenderness, inflammation, and bleeding.
Periodontitis
As gingivitis progresses, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). With continued buildup, the gums begin to recede from the teeth, creating deeper pockets filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become increasingly irritated and inflamed, leading to easy bleeding. There may be slight to moderate bone loss at this stage.
Advanced Periodontitis
In advanced periodontitis, the support for the teeth diminishes further as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament are progressively destroyed. Without treatment, affected teeth can become very loose and may eventually be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss is often present at this stage.