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Periodontal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Northway Family Dentistry makes every effort to diagnose and treat periodontal disease at its earliest stages. We routinely evaluate the health of the gums, looking for areas impacted by infection. Equally important, we measure the depth of the gap between the gums and teeth, called a pocket. As infection destroys the bone around teeth, these pockets get deeper.

Like any disease, the earlier periodontal disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. If you do have any of the following warning signs, contact us for an appointment. Our goal is to treat periodontal disease non-surgically, so early intervention is important. When therapy is initiated early, the treatment is much easier and the prognosis is excellent.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

Bleeding gums
Swollen, tender, red gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Persistant bad breath
Loose permanent teeth
Shifting bite

Stages of Periodontal Disease	Signs and Symptoms
Healthy	Gums have healthy pink color Gum line hugs teeth tightly No bleeding
Gingivitis	Gums bleed easily when brushed or when probed gently during an exam Gums are inflamed and sensitive to touch Possible bad breath and bad taste in the mouth Gums between teeth may look bluish-red in color
Early Periodontitis	Gums may begin to pull away from the teeth Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation more pronounced Bad breath and bad taste Slight loss of bone, horizontally on x-ray Pockets of 3-4mm between teeth and gums in one or more areas of the mouth
Moderate Periodontitis	Gum boils or abscesses may develop Teeth look longer as gums begin to recede Front teeth may begin to drift, showing spaces Bad breath, bad taste Both horizontal and angular bone loss on x-ray Pockets between teeth and gums range from 4-6 mm deep
Advanced Periodontitis	Teeth may become mobile or loose Bad breath, bad taste are constant Roots may be exposed and are sensitive to hot and cold Severe horizontal and angular bone loss on x-ray Both horizontal and angular bone loss on x-ray Pockets between teeth and gums now in excess of 6mm deep

To discuss your dental needs, please contact us today or request an appointment online.