Periodontal Disease 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-ups at Martinez Dental Solutions. Request an appointment with one of our periodontists today by calling one of our Jacksonville offices.

How We Diagnose Periodontal Disease

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, and other factors to make a periodontal disease diagnosis that will fall into one of the categories below:

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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.

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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.

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All You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease

Martinez Dental Solutions provides a wide array of resources to help you understand periodontal disease. Review our helpful resources or call one of our offices for any questions.

What Makes Us Different?

  • No rotating doctors! Our dentists own and manage our dental offices, and you will always see the same dentist each time you visit
  • Our dentists are caring and thoughtful professionals that provide dental solutions that are second-to-none
  • We only use the highest quality materials, most advanced technology, and first-rate dentistry practices
  • We follow strict sterilization techniques and cross-contamination prevention regulations as set by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
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Professional & Experienced Dentists in Jacksonville

Our professional and experienced staff offers comprehensive dental services in the Jacksonville area including San Marco, Southside, St. Augustine, Orange Park, and Jacksonville Beach. Request an appointment for our periodontal disease diagnosis services as well as our dental exams, cleaning and prevention services, dental restorations, and cosmetic dentistry such as inlays, crowns, and fixed bridges.

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