Comprehensive Periodontal Exam at Hershey Family Dentistry

A comprehensive periodontal exam at Hershey Family Dentistry is a thorough assessment of the health of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. This exam is crucial for detecting and managing periodontal (gum) disease, a common condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health issues if left untreated.

The process of a comprehensive periodontal exam typically involves the following steps:

Medical and Dental History Review: Your dentist will start by reviewing your medical and dental history, including any medications you are taking, past treatments, and your oral hygiene routine. This information helps in identifying any risk factors for periodontal disease.
Visual Examination: The dentist will visually inspect your gums for signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding. They will also check for any recession of the gums, which can expose the roots of your teeth.
Plaque and Tartar Assessment: The presence of plaque and tartar on your teeth will be evaluated. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to gum disease, while tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by professional cleaning.
Probing: A small instrument called a periodontal probe is used to measure the depth of the spaces (pockets) between your gums and teeth. Healthy gums have shallow pockets, while deeper pockets can indicate gum disease.
X-rays: Dental X-rays may be taken to assess the bone level around your teeth and to check for any bone loss, which is a sign of advanced periodontal disease.
Assessment of Tooth Mobility: The dentist will check for any looseness of your teeth, which can be a result of loss of bone support due to periodontal disease.
Occlusal Analysis: The way your teeth come together (your bite) will be examined to see if any misalignment is contributing to periodontal problems.

Based on the findings of the comprehensive periodontal exam, Hershey Family Dentistry will develop a personalized treatment plan to address any issues. This may include professional cleanings, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), medication, or, in more severe cases, surgical interventions. Regular periodontal exams are essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing the progression of gum disease.