Diagnosis
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.
Routine dental visits are not just about keeping your teeth clean—they are essential for maintaining healthy gums as well.
At Oroville Gentle Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of early detection when it comes to gum disease. A periodontal exam can help prevent minor issues from becoming more serious and ensures that you receive personalized care to protect both your teeth and your overall health.
A periodontal probe (small round ruler) is gently used to measure the depth of the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.
This measurement process is quick, painless, and extremely valuable in evaluating the health of your gums. The sulcus is a natural space that exists above the bone, between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. By using a periodontal probe, your dental professional can detect even subtle changes in gum health and determine whether any further intervention is necessary.
The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. There isn’t any part of our body that should bleed when touched gently. The periodontal probe helps measure if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper. Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Most people have at least some area in their mouth with Gingivitis. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed. At this stage, the damage is still reversible with proper care. Professional cleanings, improved brushing and flossing habits, and regular check-ups can usually resolve gingivitis before it progresses. Patients may notice red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, and mild sensitivity. Because gingivitis often develops without pain, it’s essential to maintain routine dental visits for early detection.
Periodontitis
Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.
Once the disease has progressed to periodontitis, damage becomes more difficult to reverse. Scaling and root planing—deep cleaning techniques performed by a dental hygienist or dentist—are typically recommended to remove tartar buildup and reduce inflammation. If left untreated, periodontitis can compromise the bone supporting your teeth, leading to further health complications. Maintaining strict oral hygiene and ongoing dental care are key to managing this condition.
Advanced Periodontitis
The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.
In the most advanced stages of periodontal disease, tooth loss becomes a serious concern. Patients may experience shifting teeth, changes in their bite, persistent bad breath, or even pain while chewing. Treatment at this point may include periodontal surgery, bone grafts, or tooth extraction, depending on the extent of the damage. Our team at Oroville Gentle Dentistry works closely with each patient to create a treatment strategy focused on preserving oral function, restoring health, and preventing further deterioration.
Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation Today
Periodontal health plays a vital role in your overall wellness. Studies have shown connections between gum disease and other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy. That’s why it’s important not to ignore the early signs of gum disease and to seek care promptly.
At Oroville Gentle Dentistry, we are committed to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life. If you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, schedule a periodontal evaluation with us today. Our gentle and experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way toward better oral health.
