Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Periodontal Disease

The goal and primary objective of a periodontal exam is to evaluate the health of your gum tissue. We measure the pockets that surround your teeth using a special periodontal ruler that Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry will insert between each tooth and the gum. Every tooth is surrounded by soft tissue. This tiny ruler is a tool with lines marked in millimeters. We measure the perimeter of each tooth and check the depth of every pocket. The depth of these pockets tells us the condition of your gum tissue. Pocket depths of 1-3 millimeters, with no bleeding, are considered healthy. If your pockets measure deeper than three millimeters, it indicates a problem.

Your compassionate team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is wholly committed to providing you, your family, and every patient with comprehensive periodontal care that improves your oral health and daily function. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment to ensure all patients receive the personalized care and treatment that is expected and deserved. You will find us to excel in effective communication, both in listening and sharing examination objectives. With our initiative-taking engagement in the dental industry and the constant innovative technological improvements offered, each exam and corresponding treatment is completely personalized. Call Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 502-570-5700 with any questions or to make an appointment for a periodontal disease examination.

What Exactly is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the immediate result of infection and inflammation of the gums and bones that surround and support your teeth. In the early stage (gingivitis), your gums become red and swollen, and they may even bleed. In a more serious stage, periodontitis, your gums pull away from your teeth, bone can now be lost, and your teeth will even loosen and fall out. Periodontal disease is usually a problem found in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two leading issues impacting dental health. A recent CDC report states this in the US:

  • Periodontal disease increases with age, with over 70% of adults 65 years and older having periodontal disease.
  • Around 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some stage of periodontal disease.

What Causes Periodontal Disease or Gum Disease?

There are millions of bacteria found in your mouth every single day. If you do not keep it in check with your daily brushing and flossing, these bacteria immediately infect the gum tissue surrounding the teeth, resulting in inflammation around the teeth, causing gum disease. When the bacteria remain on the teeth, they form a clear film called plaque, which hardens into tartar, or calculus. Tartar build-up spreads below the gum line, which makes the teeth more difficult to clean. Now, only the team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry can professionally remove the tartar and stop the periodontal disease progression.

Why Should You Get a Periodontal Exam?

You should assess the state of your periodontal health twice a year to receive accurate information about the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums.

If you have one of the following, it is a warning sign of gum disease:

  • Your gums are red or swollen.
  • Your gums are tender or bleeding.
  • Bad breath or a bad taste that persists.
  • It is painful to chew.
  • Your teeth are becoming sensitive.
  • Your gums are pulling away from your teeth.
  • Your teeth feel loose.
  • Your teeth are changing the way they fit together when you bite.
  • A change in the fit of partial dentures.

By scheduling a routine exam every six months as advised, Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry will create a history of your mouth and what is considered healthy. From there, we can detect any issues, like periodontal disease, which would need treatment.

Research has proven that there is a correlation between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. This is a valid reason to treat periodontal disease as soon as possible to keep your entire body healthy.

What is a Periodontal Exam?

A periodontal examination is a way to assess your periodontal or gum health by examining:

  • The condition of your teeth.
  • The amount of plaque buildup.
  • Your gum health.
  • Proper bite alignment.
  • Your bone structures.
  • Your personal risk factors.

When the team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry performs this evaluation, we always evaluate these six areas to determine if periodontal disease is present.

How is the Exam Performed?

The exam always consists of the six points listed above. A key component is measuring your pocket depths. We share these details at your exam, because these numbers help us diagnose any infection or tissue loss around your teeth. These numbers also help us determine what treatment plan is best for your situation.

Good Oral Hygiene Leads to Good Overall Health

Our goal is to keep those pocket depths at 3 millimeters or less to help you maintain healthy gum tissue and avoid periodontal disease. Your gums should never bleed. Consider using an electric toothbrush because they are programmed for the appropriate two minutes. You also should floss every day. You could consider using interproximal cleaners and water picks to improve your home healthcare. Together with your consistent daily efforts at home and exams, regular cleanings, and periodontal evaluations at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we will keep your mouth healthy together.

Your Smile is Our Number One Priority

Our treatment philosophy at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is focused on patient education and the enhancement of your quality of life. We provide gentle, affordable, and painless periodontal care. We prioritize providing each patient with the information they need to make confident, informed decisions regarding their personal oral health treatment. Our experience is foundational in giving you restoratively minded periodontal treatment customized for your unique needs.

Our team specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. We consider ourselves experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. We have received extensive education and training in these areas. We are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and we are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

You can find Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at:

107 Frazier Ct., 1D, Georgetown, KY

Or call us today at 502-570-5700