Please assist us at the time of your initial visit to the office by providing the following information if available:
The periodontal examination gives the dentist a complete picture of the periodontal condition of the patient’s mouth. This information is needed before an accurate diagnosis can be made. The oral exam is supplemented with information gained from the dental x-rays.
A major focus of the exam is to determine how much bone loss has occurred. When healthy, there is generally a 2-3mm space between the tooth and the gum. The space deepens as bacterial plaque causes bone deterioration and penetrates down the side of the tooth. This deepened space is called a pocket.
Each tooth is measured at six placed surrounding the tooth in order to determine the pocket depth. Normally anesthesia is not needed for this charting, which gives the dentist a blueprint of periodontal changes.
Other important information is collected during the examination so an accurate diagnosis can be made.