Our team does periodontal exams in London, Ontario, at our family practice on Aldersbrook Road. A periodontal exam is a check of your gums and the bone around your teeth. It finds gum disease early, when it is easiest to treat.
Gum disease often causes no pain at first. So we measure and look closely, even when your mouth feels fine.
To measure that space, we slide a thin, blunt probe gently along the gum line around each tooth. A healthy space is shallow. A deeper one, called a pocket, can mean the gum is pulling away from the tooth.
We note the depth of each pocket in your chart. At your next visit, we compare the numbers to see if your gums are healing or getting worse.
Digital X-rays show the bone around the roots, which we cannot see in your mouth. We take them only when there is a reason.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis. Plaque along the gum line makes the gums red and swollen, and they may bleed when you brush.
Left alone, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, and the bone around the roots starts to break down.
Watch for these signs:
Smoking and diabetes raise the risk of gum disease. That is one reason we may see those patients more often.
The gum check is part of our dental exam in London, Ontario. Most people need that exam, with a cleaning, every six months.
If you have had gum disease, smoke, or have diabetes, we may suggest a visit every three to four months. Our teeth cleaning in London, Ontario removes the tartar that leads to gum disease.
Book a visit if your gums bleed for more than a few days, look swollen or feel sore. Do not wait if a tooth feels loose or your bite feels different.
If it has been a while since your last checkup, a gum exam is a good place to start. We go at your pace and explain what we find.
You can reach us at 519-472-4460. We are open Monday and Tuesday from 10 to 7, and Wednesday and Thursday from 8 to 5. We are accepting new patients.
Most people feel only light pressure. If your gums are swollen, the probe can feel tender for a moment. Tell us if anything is sore, and we will go slowly.
No. The exam checks your gums by measuring and looking, and the cleaning removes plaque and tartar. Most visits include both.
Gingivitis, the early stage, can often be reversed with cleanings and good brushing and flossing. Periodontitis can be controlled with deep cleanings and regular care. The lost bone does not grow back on its own, so early treatment helps most.
We explain what we found and show you on your X-rays or chart. For early gum disease, a cleaning and better home care are often enough. For deeper pockets, we may suggest a deep cleaning and more frequent visits.
