Diagnosis and Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Would you want your doctor to diagnose a suspicious lump on your body without physically viewing the area on your body? Of course not. Yet, at times a patient may “diagnose” themselves by going on Google and doing their own “research” about gum/periodontal disease. This can at times be good for general information about gum or periodontal disease, but is not the best tool for specific information about an individual patient diagnosis.

Dr. William H. Miller, a dentist in Dallas, diagnosis gum disease on a clinical patient level in his Dallas dentist office. Dr. Miller understands the value of one-on-one care and of a trusting relationship between patient and doctor. He also knows how serious gum disease can be if left untreated.

When you come to Dr. Miller for a diagnosis of periodontal disease, you can expect several items.

Diagnosis of Gum Disease

First, you can expect a thorough examination of your mouth. Generally, healthy gums are firm and light pink in color. Unhealthy gums look puffy, red and may be tender to the touch. Pus or blood may be present in the pockets between the teeth and gums. Additionally, those patients with gum disease may have noticeably bad breath or loose teeth.

The doctor will use a dental instrument to measure the depth of the “cuff” around the neck of the tooth under the gums. Any depth greater than 3mm may indicate gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums where periodontitis is the condition of a more severe disease of the gum and underlying bone around the teeth.

Dr. Miller will take X-rays to check on the roots of your teeth and bone levels supporting your teeth. Finally, Dr. Miller will take the time to speak with you about your risk factors for gum disease. Common risk factors include poor oral hygiene, long-time history of not visiting the dentist, smoking or chewing tobacco, diabetes and certain medications. Once he has thoroughly evaluated your mouth and gum tissue, he will determine and diagnose the extent of your periodontal disease, if present. Dr. Miller will then speak with you regarding your diagnosis and discuss treatment options with you.

Gum Disease Treatment

If gum disease is present, a professional cleaning of your teeth may help resolve it. This therapy may involve a “deeper cleaning” procedure called scalings. This procedure involves cleaning on the root surfaces of the teeth and takes more time and typically involves dental anesthesia to complete. At times, antibiotics may be prescribed if the disease pattern of the gums is more severe.

After the professional cleaning, Dr. Miller follows up and will reavaluate the gums and discuss further active treatment, if necessary.

In cases of severe gum disease that has caused or is threatening to cause tooth loss, you may be referred to a gum specialist for specialized care. Dr. Miller can also discuss with you options to replace missing teeth if lost to gum disease.

Gum disease can have serious health implications and consequences. If it is a problem for you, you’ll want to work with a dentist who is committed to devoting individual time and attention to treating your condition. Schedule an appointment with Dr. William H. Miller today!