Periodontal Inflamation Evaluation, 410-696-4624, Dr. Trepp, Orthodontist

Periodontal Inflamation Evaluation

Your dentist will check for periodontal or gum disease risk factors by asking you some questions about your history:
Do you use tobacco?
Do you have diabetes?
Do you have any risk factors for heart disease or strokes
Are you under life changing stress such as the loss of a family or employment?
Are you overweight?
Have you taken dilantin antiseizure medication, Calcium Channel Blocker blood pressure medication, or Cyclosporin immunosuppresant medication?
Has anyone on your side of the family had gum problems?
Has anyone in your immediate family been tested or treated for gum problems?
Are pregnant or taking birth control pills which mimic pregnancy?
Do you have a heart murmur or artificial joint?
Have you ever been treated for ulcers and is the ulcer active now?
Do your gums bleed?
Do you have any red, swollen or tender gums?
Do you have gums that pull away from the teeth?
Do you have persistent bad breath?
Are there loose or separating teeth?
Does food catch between your teeth?
Is there pus between your teeth and gums?

X-rays/radiographs will be taken of your teeth to see the bone level around the teeth and to look for caked up colonies of bacteria or calculus under your gums. An instrument called a periodontal probe is used to gently measure the depth of the sulcus (the shallow v-shaped crevice between your teeth and gums). A healthy sulcus depth is usually three millimeters or less. The periodontal probe is also used to study the topography or contour of the bone under your gums. Healthy gum tissue does not bleed. Bleeding upon probing, indicates you have a problem called inflammation which is caused by bacteria. Inflammation causes the sulcus to deepen into a pocket. Generally, the more severe the inflammatory disease, the deeper the pocket.

Image of a periodontal probe in use

Your periodontal risk factors as determined by your history, x-rays and probing will dictate how aggressively and quickly you and your dentist works to eliminate inflammation in your mouth and limit it's effects on yout total body health. Because periodontal disease can cycle up and down in intensity over time, your dentist will also set up a monitoring program based on your risk factors and your body's response to your initial therapy.

You may schedule an orthodontic appointment with Dr. William Trepp in his Severna Park, MD office by calling 410.696.4624 or in his Clinton, MD office by calling 301.868.6200. Written inquiries should be mailed to: 69 Robinson RD, Pasadena, MD 21146, USA or 8918 Woodyard RD, Clinton, MD 20735, USA