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.
A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate 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. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.
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.
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.
Warning Signs & When To Schedule An Evaluation
Even when gum disease is progressing, many patients do not notice major discomfort right away. That is one reason regular exams remain so important. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, if your breath seems persistently unpleasant, or if your teeth feel more sensitive than usual, it is worth having those changes evaluated. At South Suburban Family Dental, our team looks at the full picture of your gum health so small concerns can be identified before they become more difficult to treat.
For patients in Blue Island, IL, an exam for periodontal concerns may also include a review of your medical history, home care habits, and any symptoms you have noticed between visits. Some patients come in because of soreness or swelling, while others are surprised to learn there are early signs of disease during a routine appointment. In either case, timely diagnosis helps protect the teeth, gums, and bones that support your smile.
What Your Visit May Include
A periodontal evaluation is designed to be thorough without feeling overwhelming. Your appointment may include:
- Measurement of gum pocket depths around each tooth to identify areas of concern.
- A visual evaluation of gum tissue for redness, swelling, recession, and changes in contour.
- Checking for bleeding points that may signal active inflammation.
- Review of tooth mobility or bite changes that can occur as support is lost.
- Digital x-rays when needed to evaluate bone levels beneath the gumline.
Diagnosis, Education, &
Next Steps
Once your exam is complete, your dentist will explain what the findings mean in straightforward terms. If disease is present, the next step depends on its severity and how much support around the teeth has been affected. Some patients need an earlier re-care schedule and improved home care guidance, while others may require deeper periodontal treatment to remove buildup below the gums and help the tissues heal.
Just as important, you should leave the visit understanding what to watch for at home. Knowing how your gums should look and feel makes it easier to notice changes early. At South Suburban Family Dental, we want patients in Blue Island, IL to feel informed, supported, and confident about protecting their periodontal health with consistent care and timely follow-up.