Interactive Periodontal Probing Port St. Lucie, FL
Dentists conduct interactive periodontal probing to measure the depths of pockets around your teeth. Performing this assessment helps you and your dentist understand the current state of your oral health. It can also determine your risk for future gum health and tooth concerns. It can even help identify other underlying health conditions because of the oral-systemic connection.
The interactive part of the diagnostic procedure comes from the knowledge gained by you and your dentist. With this periodontal test, our team at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Port St. Lucie may be able to deliver an early periodontal disease diagnosis. St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry may also use probing results to create targeted treatment plans to improve your oral and overall well-being.
Performing Periodontal Probing
Dentists insert a periodontal probe (a thin measuring instrument) into the space between the gum tissue and each of the teeth (called the pocket). The tool measures the depth of that pocket. A healthy pocket depth is between 1 to 3 mm of depth.
If the dentist discovers pocket depths above 4 mm during periodontal probing or if the gums bleed during the procedure. In this case, these signs could tell the dentist that a person has gum disease or periodontal disease. If pockets are deeper than 5 mm, it will be harder to keep teeth and gums clean. At this point, the dentists may recommend additional interventions.
“If pockets are deeper than 5 mm, it will be harder to keep teeth and gums clean.”
Periodontal Charting
Periodontal charting is a part of a patient's dental or gum chart that indicates the state of the teeth and mouth's health. A periodontal chart includes six measurements (in millimeters) that are taken around each tooth. The main reason for periodontal charting is checking for periodontal disease, but it is also beneficial to check for many other oral and systemic health concerns.
What It Reveals
The chart is a pictorial representation of the mouth and includes graphics and information pertaining to the tests conducted during the first appointment. Healthline provides the conditions and issues that a periodontal test and chart reveal:
- areas of decay (cavities)
- missing teeth
- depths of your gum pockets, bleeding points during probing, and gum recession
- abnormalities in your teeth, such as rotations, erosion, or abrasions in your teeth or enamel
- damage to your teeth
- presence of crowns, bridges, implants, and fillings
- attachment of your teeth to the gums
- any movement in your teeth
- any bleeding in your gums
“A periodontal chart includes six measurements (in millimeters) that are taken around each tooth.”
Risk Assessment That Dentist Makes
Periodontal probing and charting allow dentists to assess a patient's risk of acquiring periodontal disease as well as other oral and systemic diseases. A Journal of Periodontology study on risk factors explains: "risk factors may be broadly categorized as: Systemic risk factors - factors that affect the host response to the plaque biofilm, upsetting the host-microbial balance; and Local risk factors - factors local to the oral cavity, which may influence plaque accumulation or occlusal forces." A periodontal chart reveals which factors are in play and their causes.
Risk assessments classify risks in terms of risk factors, risk indicators, and risk predictors. Risk factors include age, tobacco use, diabetes, stress, genetics, pregnancy, cardiovascular diseases, and poor oral hygiene. Risk indicators indicate whether visible risk factors, such as the presence of herpes viruses in subgingival plaque, are cause of an oral or systemic condition. Risk predictors are factors that have no current biological causing agent but have been associated with disease. For example, the number of missing teeth is a risk predictor for disease but may not indicate current periodontitis.
“A periodontal chart reveals which factors are in play and their causes.”
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Candidates for Periodontal Testing
Current guidelines suggest all adults should receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, or CPE, each year. In addition to interactive periodontal probing, dentists should examine teeth, bite, tongue, gums, and lifestyle factors that could contribute to periodontal risks.
If risk assessments suggest a patient's risk is high, you may need more than one periodontal probe each year. Any of these factors could indicate the need for more frequent testing:
- Gingivitis
- Frequent cavities
- Smoking or vaping
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Medications that change your oral health
- Decreased immunity
- Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease
“All adults should receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, or CPE, each year.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What does periodontal probing reveal?
Q. What is a risk assessment and what does it show?
Q. How is the periodontal probing performed?
Q. Who are candidates for periodontal testing?
People Also Ask
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. What are common signs of gum disease?
Q. How is gum recession treated?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Frequently Asked Questions About Interactive Periodontal Probing
Q. When should I receive periodontal probing?
A. The answer depends on the patient. Current guidelines suggest healthy adults receive annual periodontal probing to reduce the risk of gum disease. Patients whose dentists identified higher risk assessment factors may need more frequent periodontal probing to prevent oral health complications.
Q. Will periodontal probing hurt?
A. If you already have periodontal disease, you may experience slight discomfort during periodontal probing. However, little pain is reported during the procedure. If you are concerned about the procedure, you may talk to your dentist about topical numbing creams.
Q. Does periodontal probing make gums bleed?
A. This procedure is designed to check the health of your gums and assess risk factors, including bleeding gums. If your gums bleed during periodontal probing, it is likely a sign that their health is compromised. Bleeding gums are rarely due to probing alone.
Q. What do I do if I have a high risk for periodontal disease?
A. If periodontal probing reveals that you have pockets over 4 mm, you may need frequent in-office cleanings. At this stage, at-home oral hygiene will be difficult. Your dentist can offer specific recommendations but will likely recommend visits every three to six months to prevent disease progression or tooth decay.
Q. What impact can periodontal disease have on my overall health?
A. It is important to work to prevent and treat periodontal disease. Studies have shown gum disease may increase one's risk of other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Some studies even link periodontal disease to cancer, dementia, arthritis, and kidney disease.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
If you are looking for more information pertaining to periodontal probing or testing, call us today at 772-242-4124 to learn more or make an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
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