Diagnosing Gum Disease in Royal Oak, Michigan

Gingivitis Detection in the Detroit - Birmingham, MI area

Gum disease, the common term for periodontal disease, can be diagnosed by Birmingham, MI dentist Dr. Larry Duffield or one of his dental hygienists during a periodontal examination in our Royal Oaks dental office. This type of exam is 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 gum disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Dr. Duffield or a 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, or gum disease.  Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed. Most people with gum disease are in the gingivitis stage.

Periodontitis

As gum disease progresses, it can turn into 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 with periodontitis.

Advanced Periodontitis

The most advanced form of gum disease is called 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.  In advanced periodontitis, generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

In a periodontal exam, Dr. Larry Duffield and his team of expert hygienists can accurately determine if you have gum disease and what stage it is in: gingivitis, periodontitis or advanced periodontitis. He can then help you get started on the appropriate periodontal disease treatment plan. Call our Detroit - Birmingham, MI area office in Royal Oak, Michigan for a periodontal exam today.