Diagnosis

Diagnosis

• Periodontal disease is diagnosed by taking measurements around each tooth and through x-rays which show bone loss
• Normal pocketing that exists around all teeth should be 1-3 mm (left side of photo)
• Greater than 3 mm pocketing may be a sign of periodontal disease
• Greater than 3 mm pocketing may be a sign of periodontal disease
• Pocketing from periodontal disease occurs due to bone loss (right side of photo)
• The pocketing is a result of bacteria that live in plaque and calculus (tartar) that builds-up above and below the gums on the teeth