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.

  • “Thank you from our family for helping us during our dental emergency. Amie called you when our son’s front top permanent tooth was knocked out on a Sunday afternoon, and thanks to you for answering your phone and giving us advice he will hopefully get to keep his tooth until old enough for an implant. Words can’t express how thankful we are! Thank you a million times over.”

    Paula D.
  • “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your accommodating me by solving my dental problem while I was visiting family recently. Not only did you see me on short notice but applied your expert dentistry professionally, painlessly and perfectly! In addition, your assistant and reception staff were equally competent and pleasantly accommodating. Imagine: A visit to the dentist was a pleasant, enjoyable experience. Perhaps the Haligonian hospitality and friendliness has simply transferred to CO and your business :)”

    John
  • “I just wanted to send a quick note thanking you for all your help over the past few months with my lower front tooth. The flipper is working great as the temporary solution. I look forward to seeing you over the summer after having the implant placed.”

    Mike H.
  • “Thanks for cementing my tooth. You were very gentle. It feels better.”

    Karson – age 8
  • “Thank you so much for fixing my tooth this morning. I really appreciate you taking the time so I didn’t have to go to school with it broken on Monday. We are so lucky to have such a great, kind dentist. Thank you!”

    Maya Y.
  • “Thank you for taking such great care of me. You really went above and beyond on a Sunday by seeing me at your office when I was having such severe tooth pain. Your extraordinary care didn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for being an amazing dentist and caregiver.”

    Stephanie W.
  • “Thank you so much for your patience and kindness. You made my experience with a dentist the best I’ve ever had. I appreciate everything you did to make me comfortable. I would recommend your office to everyone!”

    Melissa B.
  • “I wanted to thank you for the excellent care you have given me over the years. I feel so fortunate to have found you as a dentist. You are always understanding and incredibly patient with my questions. You also always go out of your way to make sure my pain is more than adequately managed and that my anxiety is kept under control. I think it is amazing that you are always smiling and friendly in spite of having what I’m sure can be a stressful job. I am not surprised that you are so busy. Thanks for everything!”

    Kelly T.
  • “Thanks so much for taking such good care of me, especially since it was after hours. You are always a calm and reassuring presence and your caring and compassion is exemplary. I truly appreciate your exemplary dental care.
    Thanks!”

    Cindy A.
  • “Thank you for being such a fantastic dentist. Your professionalism and the entire quality of your staff make dental care easy and as painless as possible. your dedication to your craft is evident in your work and I feel very lucky to be your patient. Thanks for being awesome!”

    Rebecca L.
Need More Information?Check out our FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Get StartedSet up an appointment online Appointment Request
Visit Us Today8793 E. Northfield Blvd.
Denver, CO 80238
Get Directions