Diagnosis

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination.  This type of exam should always be 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 periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Your dentist or 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.  Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

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.

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.  Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

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Do you fear going to the dentist? If you do, this is the place for you. Elite Dental is where you want to go not only because they offer sedation, but because they have the most up to date service and are always learning more. At Elite Dental you are treated as a person, not just a number by Dr. Johnson and Dr. Chaney. They have the most caring staff I have ever had the pleasure to meet, right down to the front desk. At Elite Dental you feel so relax and comfortable. I would recommend Elite Dental to anyone.

Joanne Newell

You simply cannot beat Elite Dental! Dr. Chaney and the Elite staff are top of the line. They take very intentional steps to get to know the individual needs of their patients and develop a plan that works for you! They are excellent communicators and take a personal interest in each individual. Their facilities and care are the very best you will find!

Kenny Cobble

If you are looking for a dentist, you will not be able to beat Elite Dental. Dr. Chaney and the staff work to get to know you and your dental needs. They will work with you to determine what is best for you. They don't try to over-sell you, but they will go through everything with you and lay out multiple options for you, along with the pluses and minuses of each. You are treated like a friend, not just a patient or a number.

They are very professional and do a wonderful job. They do everything they can to make you comfortable and at ease. I feel really blessed that I found them.

Kenneth Lamb

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Contact Us.We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form.

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We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.