What is Periodontal Screening and Why Should You Get One?

Periodontal screening is a quick and easy way to assess the health of your gums and teeth. It is a routine part of a dental check-up that can help detect early signs of gum disease before it progresses and causes irreversible damage. 

In this article, we will explore periodontal screening, why you should get one, and what to expect during the screening process.

What is Periodontal Screening?

Periodontal screening is a simple and painless procedure that involves examining the gums and teeth for signs of gum disease. 

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause tooth loss and other serious health problems.

Why Should You Get a Periodontal Screening?

Getting a periodontal screening is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Here are some reasons why you should get one:

1) Early Detection of Gum Disease

Periodontal screening can detect early signs of gum disease before it progresses and causes irreversible damage. 

If caught early, gum disease can be treated with non-surgical methods, such as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and bacteria from the pockets between the gums and teeth. 

2) Prevention of Tooth Loss

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. By getting a periodontal screening, you can detect and treat gum disease before it causes tooth loss. 

This can help you avoid expensive and time-consuming dental procedures, such as dental implants or dentures, to replace missing teeth.

3) Improved Overall Health

By maintaining healthy gums, you can reduce your risk of developing these and other health problems.

What to Expect During a Periodontal Screening

A periodontal screening is a routine part of a dental check-up and typically takes only a few minutes to complete. Here is what you can expect during the screening process:

1) Medical History Review

Your dentist or dental hygienist will start by reviewing your medical history, including any medications you are taking and any health conditions you may have. This is important because certain medications and health problems can increase your risk of developing gum disease.

2) Visual Inspection

Your dental professional will visually inspect your gums for signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding.

3) Pocket Depth Measurement

Your dental professional will use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth. 

This involves gently inserting the probe into the pocket and measuring the distance between the gum tissue and the tooth. Deeper pockets can indicate the presence of gum disease.

4) X-Rays

In some cases, your dental professional may take x-rays to assess the health of the bone that supports your teeth. X-rays can also detect other dental problems, such as cavities and impacted teeth.

Conclusion

Periodontal screening is an important part of maintaining good oral health. By detecting and treating gum disease early, you can prevent tooth loss and reduce your risk of developing other health problems. If you have yet to have a periodontal screening, be sure to schedule one with your dentist or dental hygienist.

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