Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) during your oral examination. A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. Your dentist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc. to make a diagnosis of periodontal disease. The main aim of treatment is to clean out bacteria from the pockets around the teeth and prevent further destruction of bone and tissue. Nonsurgical treatments If periodontitis isn’t advanced, treatment may involve less invasive procedures, including: Scaling. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and beneath your gums. It may be performed using instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device. Root planing. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, discouraging further buildup of tartar and bacteria. Antibiotics. Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infecti...
