A comprehensive periodontal exam is a thorough evaluation of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. It is the best way to detect periodontal disease early, when it is most treatable.

Who Should Have a Comprehensive Periodontal Exam?

Everyone should have a comprehensive periodontal exam at least once a year.

However, there are certain people who are at an increased risk for periodontal disease and should have more frequent exams. These people include:

  • People with a family history of periodontal disease
  • People that use tobacco products
  • People with diabetes
  • People who are taking certain medications
  • People who have had gum disease in the past

If you’re concerned about your gum health, schedule a comprehensive periodontal exam with our periodontist Dr. Livada today.

What Happens During An Exam?

During a comprehensive periodontal exam, we will perform:

  • An oral cancer exam.

The oral cancer examination is completely painless. Dr. Livada will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands, and neck for unusual bumps. This is an important step in the exam as according to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, with over 7000 of these cases resulting in the death of the patient.

  • Examination of your gums.

During your exam, we’ll be looking for signs of inflammation, redness, swelling, and bleeding.

  • Measure your pocket depths:

Pocket depths are the spaces between your teeth and gums. We use a soft periodontal probe to measure the pockets around your teeth. Deep pockets measuring 4mm or more is considered a sign of periodontal disease.

  • Record your bite

A misaligned bite can put extra stress on your teeth and contribute to periodontal disease.

  • Take X-rays

X-rays help see the bone levels around your teeth. Bone loss is a sign of periodontal disease.

  • Evaluate your risk factors

We ask about your lifestyle choices, looking for periodontal disease, such as smoking, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene.

If we find any signs of disease, we’ll discuss treatment options with you. A treatment plan for periodontal disease may include:

  • Professional cleanings: Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
  • Periodontal Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove diseased tissue or bone
  • Use of bone grafts and growth factors to help regenerate lost bone
  • Laser periodontal treatment: Will help remove diseased tissue and help regenerate lost tissues

With early diagnosis and treatment, periodontal disease can be successfully treated. A comprehensive periodontal exam is the best way to protect your periodontal health.

The entire exam should take about 30-60 minutes. If our periodontist finds any signs of disease, they will discuss treatment options with you.

Here are some tips for preparing for a comprehensive periodontal exam:

  • Brush and floss your teeth as usual the night before the exam.
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes before the exam.

Benefits of Comprehensive Periodontal Exams

There are many benefits to having a comprehensive periodontal exam. These benefits include:

  • Early detection of disease: The earlier periodontal disease is detected, the easier it is to treat.
  • Prevention of tooth loss: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. A comprehensive periodontal exam can help to prevent tooth loss by detecting and treating periodontal disease early.
  • Improved oral health: A comprehensive periodontal exam can help to improve your overall oral health. This includes reducing plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease, and improving your smile.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your gums are healthy can give you peace of mind. This is especially important if you have a family history of periodontal disease.

Schedule Your Exam Today

A comprehensive periodontal exam is an important part of maintaining your oral health. It is the best way to detect periodontal disease early when it is most treatable.

If you are concerned about your gum health, schedule a comprehensive periodontal exam in our office in The Villages today.