Preventive Care

Periodontal Exam

Did You Know?

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The first sign of gingivitis is bleeding gums. However, 75% of adults in America have gingivitis and don’t even know it. If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.

What is Periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease occurs when there is a bacterial infection in the gums, which is caused by plaque and tartar. Some people have a genetic pre-disposition to this disease. Those who smoke should especially be careful because they are at higher risk of developing Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is also known to advance more quickly in patients with diabetes.

Periodontal disease is also measured by “pocket depth”, which is the space between your gums and teeth. Healthy gums have a pocket depth between 1 – 3 millimeters. Early moderate periodontal diseased gums have a pocket depth between 4 – 5 millimeters, moderate periodontal diseased gums have a pocket depth between 6 - 7 millimeters, and advanced periodontal diseased gums have a pocket depth greater than 8 millimeters.

During your periodic check-up, Dr. Puig will check your gums to make sure they are healthy. Healthy gums are firm, pink and do not bleed. The bone is strong and supports the teeth. 

Some of the symptoms of Periodontal disease include:

• Recession of gums
• Reoccuring swellings
• Halitosis or bad breath
• A constant bad taste in your mouth
• Bleeding of gums during teeth brushing or flossing
• “Pockets” between the teeth and the gums (when the gums pull away from the teeth and form a deep crevice or pocket).

Often times a person will have no signs or symptoms. That is why it is so important to get regular check-ups so that the doctor can detect early signs of Periodontal disease before it has a chance to advance and do significant damage.

Treatment of Periodontal disease includes regular brushing, flossing and the use of a special toothbrush (interdental brush) one or more times a day, as well as in-office treatment by your dentist to remove tartar. Advanced cases of Periodontal disease may require medication and/or surgery. In most cases, Periodontal disease can be remedied with in-office and at-home treatment. Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy may also be recommended.

Did You Know?

Other Preventive Care Services:

• Routine Dental Hygiene
• Digital X-rays
• Periodic Checkups
• Blood Pressure Monitoring
• Fluoride Treatments
• Annual Oral Cancer Exam