Can periodontitis be misdiagnosed?

Periodontal disease is more commonly known as gum disease. There are several different forms of it. Some are more serious than others, but it is important to be able to identify the symptoms. Gum disease can easily be misdiagnosed, especially by people who don’t know what the signs are.

Can a dentist spot gum disease?

Dentists are experts in keeping gums and teeth healthy. During a check-up they examine your mouth, teeth and gums to spot any problems. Dentist treatment for gum disease can often be the first defence against it and they may recommend a professional clean or scale and polish.

Can a dentist tell if you have periodontal disease?

Your dentist will look for inflammation of the gums and plaque or tartar at the base of the teeth. Using a probe, your dentist will determine the severity of your gum disease by measuring pockets in your gums and decide if further tests are required.

How do dentists test for gum disease?

Examination of your teeth, gums, mouth and tongue for signs of plaque and inflammation. Measuring the pocket depth of the groove between your gums and your teeth by inserting a dental probe beside your tooth beneath your gum line, usually at several sites throughout your mouth.

Can periodontitis have no symptoms?

Gum disease is often painless and without noticeable symptoms, making it hard to know if you really have it. Many symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease, called periodontitis.

Can periodontitis be stopped?

Periodontitis can only be treated but cannot be cured. Gingivitis, on the other hand, can be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist for checkups and exams.

What does the dentist do for periodontal disease?

Scaling and Root Planing Scaling: Your dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. Root Planing: Then, the root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed, or “planed”, to allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the teeth.