Pocket depths 1 to 3 mm are usually within normal limits
Pocket depts 4 mm and larger are a sign of potential gum disease
No matter what pocket measurement is present, bleeding apon probing is a sign of active gum disease
Accurate gingival probing can only be done when there is no calculus (tartar ) present under the gums.
Other signs of gum disease
Gingival recession
Gingival recession can be an indication of gingivitis
Gingival recession can also be do to bone loss which can be a sign of a more serious gum disease, periodontitis
Gingival recession can also be caused by improper brushing technique
Gingival recession can be caused by extreme tooth movement
What if calculus is present on my teeth?
Treatment of periodontal disease
Gross debridement
Ultrasonic removal of gross calculus deposits from around the crown and roots of teeth
Allows for the beginning stages of healing to occur in patients with gum disease by removing large areas of hard infected tissue above and below the gumline
Greatly improves the accuracy of gingival probing
Scaling and root planing
Total removal of calculus from the roots of teeth including deposits far under the gum line
This procedure is most often done by anesthetizing the gums
Once infection has been removed healing can then begin
Antimicrobial rinses and antibiotics are sometimes used treating the infection.
And in more severe cases of periodontal disease
Osseous surgery
Osseous surgery is done to eliminate very deep pockets within the bone where harmful bacteria live
Reshaping of the bone results in immediate shrinkage of the pockets to allow faster healing of both the bone and the gums.
