Understanding Periodontal Disease Diagnosis
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by our dentist or hygienist through a series of tests. First, we will check the depth of the gum pockets between your teeth and gums. Next, we will check for inflammation, bleeding, loose teeth, and bone loss. Based on our findings, we will determine the stage of your periodontal disease and recommend your treatment.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis: the first stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflamed, tender, bleeding gums, and plaque build-up.
Periodontitis: the second stage of periodontal disease, characterized by plaque hardening into calculus (tartar), gum recession, deepening gum pockets, and early stages of bone loss.
Advanced Periodontitis: the final stage of periodontal disease, characterized by the destruction of gums, bone, and ligament tissues, loosening and loss of teeth, and more severe bone loss.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that becomes trapped under the gum line. Other factors that contribute to periodontal disease include smoking, genetics, certain medical conditions, and poor oral hygiene.
These teeth have been lost because of periodontal disease. The bacteria that caused the disease have calcified on the root portion of these teeth and are visible as calculus (tartar). Before the bacteria calcify on the root surfaces, they live in a soft, white matrix with food particles, known as plaque.
Our experienced periodontists can diagnose and treat both gingivitis and periodontitis. We invite you to call Periodontics of the Desert at (254) 772-4514 for more information about periodontal disease and schedule your appointment with Dr. Jeremy Morgan in Waco, TX.
