Gum disease can become quite serious if it goes ignored; however, with the help of a family dentist, it can be caught early on so that treatment can be quickly started. Family dentists are general dentists that specialize in working with families, which includes both the parents and children. Because family dentists specialize in general dentistry, they are trained to catch and treat gum disease. Ready to learn more?
Below is an overview of how a family dentist checks for gum disease during a check-up appointment.
The main part of checking for gum disease is when the family dentist performs an examination. The examination includes a physical and visual part, both of which are important. The physical part is relatively quick and easy, and most of the time, painless. The family dentist will use their fingers to feel around the patient's mouth. Oftentimes, gum disease is exhibited through swelling and puffiness, which can usually be felt. The second half of the examination is the visual part, which is extremely important. The family dentist will carefully inspect every area of the patient's mouth, being sure to check for inflammation, redness or recession.
If the family dentist determines that there are some red flags during the initial examination, then they will move on to using a probe. A dental probe looks similar to a tiny ruler and it is used to measure the pocket depth of the gums. Healthy gums are between 1 to 3 mm in size, whereas unhealthy gums may have pocket sizes between 3 and 6 mm. If the gums are between 3 and 6 mm, then it is likely that gum disease is present. If gum disease is present, this part of the check-up can be uncomfortable. However, if the gums are in good shape, there should not be any pain.
When a family dentist does detect gum disease or signs of an infection, they will also get an x-ray of the patient's mouth. X-rays can highlight bone loss, which may not be visible to the eye otherwise. The x-ray images can highlight if the bone beneath the gums has deteriorated, which will also indicate the stage of the gum disease. The family dentist can use the x-rays to determine the course of treatment, including whether or not a specialist is required. In some severe stages of gum disease, surgical procedures may be required to completely remove and treat the infection.
A family dentist is a great resource to utilize for routine check-up appointments, which often include a check for gum disease. If caught early enough, a family dentist can take the appropriate steps to treat the gum disease, thus improving oral health. Any questions or concerns regarding gum disease and how it is checked for should be addressed by a family dentist. Reach out today to learn more or to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Wear and tear make denture repairs inevitable in the long run. This is why a general dentistry practice that deals with dentures should have in-house facilities for minor and moderate repairs. The practice should also have quick access to a dental lab in case a patient needs major repairs for their dentures. Knowing when to…
Maintaining good oral health is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Regular visits to a general dentist are crucial in preventing and treating different dental issues. General dentists provide a wide range of services, such as preventive care, restorative treatments, and oral health education. However, if you are new to an area or are changing dentists,…
A general dentist spends a significant portion of their time performing preventative treatments like teeth cleanings that help prevent cavities. Cavities are the leading cause of dental visits. They are caused by the acids bacteria that live in the mouth excrete after consuming sugars. These acids eat away at teeth, eventually forming tiny holes in…
Are you concerned about whether or not you will receive painless dentistry at your next appointment? You aren't alone. In fact, many people every year simply avoid the dentist altogether out of fear that they will have a painful experience. Unfortunately, for some people, they have already had a negative experience, so it's even more…
Wear and tear make denture repairs inevitable in the long run. This is why a…
Maintaining good oral health is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Regular visits to a general…
A general dentist spends a significant portion of their time performing preventative treatments like teeth…
Are you concerned about whether or not you will receive painless dentistry at your next…
Visiting a general dentist on a routine basis is one of the most important things…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health,…