How does my dentist diagnose periodontal disease?
During a periodontal exam, your dentist or periodontist typically checks your:
- Gums : for bleeding, swelling, firmness, and measurement of the periodontal pockets (the space between the gum line and the attachment to the bone; the larger and deeper the pocket, the more severe the disease)
- Teeth : for movement and sensitivity
- Bite : for proper teeth alignment
- Jawbone : (uses X-rays) to help detect the breakdown of bone surrounding your teeth