How is Periodontal Charting Done?
The process is pretty simple and usually pretty painless, too. The team at our Lawrenceville dental office will gently poke the six areas around each tooth to measure the pockets between the gum and tooth. You’ll hear us call out and record numbers, anywhere from 1 to 7, or sometimes more. The numbers are the pocket depth in millimeters.What Do the Measurements Mean?
You want to hear lower numbers during your periodontal charting. Measurements between 1 and 3 are a sign that your gums are in good health. But, it’s worth noting that even if your pockets are between these ideal depths, if you bleed, it may be a sign of early gum disease. Pockets deeper than 3 millimeters could indicate a stronger likelihood of gum disease, or an advanced stage of it. Anymore than 3 millimeters could mean more serious issues. Check out the ranges and associated concerns below.- 3 mm – 5 mm: Gum pockets with measurements that fall within this range is usually a strong indicator of moderate gum disease.
- 5 mm – 7 mm: Depths between 5 and 7 is almost a guarantee of gum disease. There’s also a risk of bone loss.
- 7 mm+: Any gum pockets that are 7 millimeters or more is a strong sign of advanced gum disease. Periodontal surgery may be recommended.
Signs of Gum Disease
Periodontal charting is an extremely reliable way to diagnose gum disease, but there are things you can keep an eye out for in between visits.- Chronic bad breath
- Bleeding gums (it’s never normal!)
- Red, swollen gums
- Loose teeth