Did you know that most dental exams also include a periodontal exam? If you have ever heard our hygienist counting, “one, two three,” as they move around the inside and outside of your gumline along your teeth, you have had a periodontal exam!
Why Periodontal Exams Are Important
The purpose of this exam is to identify any areas of pocketing in your gums that may collect bacteria and cause an infection. Your gums should cling tightly to your teeth and when they are healthy, they will not bleed. Pocketing and bleeding points indicate an infection.
One of the symptoms of gum disease is inflammation. Swollen, red, or tender gums require attention and our hygienist will help you get back on track.
What If I Fail My Periodontal Exam?
There is no failing this type of exam, but it does give us valuable information when it comes to supporting your oral health efficiently and effectively. When we gather this information, it allows us to recommend a targeted dental cleaning, deep dental cleaning, home care techniques or products, and lifestyle changes that can improve the health of your gums.
What Happens Without Treatment?
When gum disease goes untreated, serious health and dental conditions may follow. Gum disease has been linked to heart attacks, diabetes, low birth weight babies, respiratory illnesses, Alzheimer’s disease, erectile dysfunction, and certain types of cancers. Many researchers believe these links are due to the inflammatory nature of the condition, and they continue to study the cause and effect relationship of the oral-systemic condition.
Tooth loss will eventually follow periodontal disease when it is left untreated. Infection will deteriorate bone, making your teeth unstable. They will become mobile, and eventually come out. The infection will remain and continue to eat away at precious bone, which can destabilize more of your teeth.
We offer treatment for all stages of periodontal disease in our Encinitas dental office and can help you get your smile back on track. Give us a call today!
Periodontal Exams in Encinitas CA
We offer treatment for all stages of periodontal disease in our Encinitas dental office and can help you get your smile back on track. Give us a call today!