Before Your Periodontist Appointment – Comfort Dental

How We Check For Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common yet preventable oral health conditions. It affects millions of people and, if left untreated, can lead to serious dental issues, including tooth loss. At Comfort Dental, we take gum disease seriously and use advanced techniques to diagnose it early, ensuring you receive the best possible care. A periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, making them the go-to expert when it comes to maintaining healthy gums. But how do we check for gum disease, and what can you expect during your visit? 

Reviewing Your Dental and Medical History

When you visit Comfort Dental, one of the first things we do is review your dental and medical history. Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing gum disease, including:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Family history of gum disease
• Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause)
• Certain medications that cause dry mouth

By understanding your medical background, your periodontist or dentist can determine whether you have an increased risk of gum disease and take appropriate steps for early prevention.

 

Visual Examination of the Gums

A comprehensive visual examination is the next step in checking for gum disease. The dentist carefully inspects your gums for the following signs:

• Redness or swelling
• Bleeding when touched or during brushing
• Receding gum lines (gums pulling away from the teeth)
• Pus or signs of infection
• Persistent bad breath (which can indicate bacterial buildup)

Healthy gums should be firm and pink. If we notice signs of inflammation or infection, further testing will be done to assess the severity of gum disease and determine the best course of treatment.

 

Measuring Gum Pockets

One of the most critical diagnostic tools for detecting gum disease is periodontal probing. Using a small, painless instrument called a periodontal probe, we measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. The deeper the pockets, the greater the risk of bacterial infection, which can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss if left untreated. By measuring these pockets, the periodontist can determine the stage of gum disease and recommend appropriate treatment.

 

Checking for Gum Recession

Gum recession is another indicator of gum disease. If your gums have started to pull away from your teeth, it can expose the tooth roots and cause increased sensitivity. Recession also makes it easier for bacteria to enter beneath the gumline, leading to further infection and decay. We check for gum recession by measuring the amount of exposed tooth surface and evaluating whether treatment is necessary to restore lost gum tissue.

 

Assessing Tooth Mobility

In more advanced stages of gum disease, the supporting bone structure can begin to deteriorate, causing teeth to loosen. As part of your examination, we gently test for any movement in the teeth, which may indicate significant bone loss. If we find loose teeth, the periodontist may recommend further treatment, such as deep cleaning, gum grafting, or other specialized periodontal procedures to restore gum and bone health.

 

Dental X-Rays for a Comprehensive View

To get a complete picture of your oral health, we may take dental X-rays. These images allow us to detect gum disease beneath the surface, particularly in cases where bone loss has occurred. X-rays help us identify areas of bone deterioration, detect hidden infections, and assess the overall health of the jawbone and supporting structures.

 

Personalized Treatment Recommendations

If gum disease is detected, we will discuss your treatment options based on the severity of your condition. Some of the most common treatments include:

• Professional Dental Cleanings: For mild cases of gum disease, regular professional cleanings can help remove plaque buildup and prevent further progression.
• Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes bacteria from deep pockets and smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach.
• Medications or Antimicrobial Therapy: In some cases, we may recommend antibiotic treatment to reduce infection.
• Surgical Treatments: For severe gum disease, procedures such as gum grafts, pocket reduction surgery, or laser therapy may be necessary.
• Regardless of the stage of gum disease, early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of reversing the condition and preventing further damage.

 

Don’t Ignore the Signs of Gum Disease

At Comfort Dental, we take gum disease seriously and use advanced diagnostic tools to detect and treat it early. By evaluating your medical history, performing a thorough examination, and using tools like periodontal probing and X-rays, the periodontist or dentist can accurately diagnose and address gum disease before it leads to more serious complications.

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, don’t wait — schedule an appointment with Comfort Dental today. Our experienced team is here to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums for a lifetime. Let us take care of your smile with expert periodontal care and personalized treatment solutions!

 

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.