Measure the depth of the groove between the gums and the teeth by placing a dental probe next to the tooth, below the gum line, usually at several sites in the mouth. In a healthy mouth, the depth of the pouch is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters (mm). Pockets that are more than 4 mm deep may indicate periodontitis. The dentist or dental hygienist diagnoses periodontal disease during a periodontal exam.
This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental checkup. An examination by the dentist is the only way to correctly assess the condition of the gums. In addition to clinical evaluation with a gum probe, x-rays should also be taken to assess the condition of the bone. Bacteria in the mouth infect the tissue surrounding the tooth and cause inflammation around the tooth and cause periodontal disease.
When bacteria stay on the teeth long enough, they form a film called plaque, which eventually hardens and turns into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar buildup can spread below the gum line, making it difficult to clean your teeth. So, only a dental health professional can remove tartar and stop the process of periodontal disease. Do you suspect that you have gum disease? Make an appointment with your hygienist or dentist.
Only they can diagnose periodontal disease. The periodontal probing process can help discover areas of the dentition with a high depth of exploration that require follow-up evaluation with an X-ray. X-rays should only be performed after a clinical examination to avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation. Usually, an X-ray will reveal two images of bites, and in more serious situations, a panoramic X-ray may be necessary.
The x-ray will show images of the jaw surrounding the tooth and allow the dentist to determine the degree of bone loss. On each X-ray, the teeth will also be examined for signs of tooth decay or decay. New forms of chronic and aggressive periodontitis were introduced, as well as, for example, periodontitis, which may be associated with systemic diseases. To begin the dental checkup, the dentist will review the patient's dental history, allowing him to get an overview of the patient's oral health and risk factors.
A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the groove (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. Every X-ray taken in the dental office, the dentition should be checked for tooth decay and periodontitis. CDC is currently working with key partner organizations, such as the American Academy of Periodontics and the American Dental Association, to improve and maintain surveillance for periodontal disease in adults. The diagnosis of gingivitis and periodontitis is based on the internationally recognized classification of periodontal disease.
CDC efforts include (developing measures for use in periodontal disease surveillance at the state and local levels), (improving the validity of prevalence estimates derived from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) by improving the accuracy of the clinical examination protocols used in this national survey, and (developing simple measures for the detection of periodontal disease in clinical settings).
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