Can periodontitis be misdiagnosed?

Periodontal disease is more commonly known as gum disease. There are several different forms of it. Some are more serious than others, but it is important to be able to identify the symptoms. Gum disease can easily be misdiagnosed, especially by people who don't know what the signs are.

Do dentists lie about periodontal disease?

Sometimes patients get a prophy when periodontal disease IS present. Too many hygienists get caught up in the "run and gun" mode and miss that periodontal disease is present, primarily because they omit the full-mouth periodontal charting/recording. In my opinion, under-diagnosing is just as bad as over-diagnosing.

Can a dentist miss periodontal disease?

Although gingivitis is treatable, it is estimated that as many as 90% of the population already has periodontal disease. By the time you notice you have gingivitis and seek treatment, it may already have progressed to the next stage. The Problem with Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease can be easily missed.

How does a dentist diagnose periodontal disease?

The dentist uses a gum probe to measure the depths of the pockets between the teeth and the gums. Several measurements at different sites are necessary for accurate diagnosis. After the probing, the dentist will compare the measurements to normal periodontal standards to determine the extent of the gum disease.

What are the 5 symptoms present in periodontitis?

Risk Factors for Periodontitis

How quickly does periodontitis progress?

Slight Periodontal Disease

During the early gingivitis stages, gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease.

Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications. Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.

Can periodontitis be seen on xray?

X-rays in Periodontal Evaluation

Since the bone is what keeps your teeth secure, bone loss is an indication of periodontitis, which is a serious oral infection. By utilizing x-rays, your dentist can spot bone loss early and refer you to a periodontist who can diagnose your stage of gum disease.

Can severe periodontitis be cured?

Periodontitis can only be treated but cannot be cured. Gingivitis, on the other hand, can be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist for checkups and exams.

Can an xray show gum disease?

Bitewing X-rays

These X-rays help dentists detect decay, particularly decay that occurs between the teeth, as well as irregular developments of the jawbone that are caused by gum disease.

Do gums always bleed with periodontitis?

Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease. If the plaque buildup continues to worsen, the bleeding usually gets worse. The reality is that your gums shouldn't bleed when you brush and floss.

Can you have periodontitis without bleeding gums?

Healthy gums don't bleed, but periodontal disease can make them more sensitive. If you notice bleeding gums when you brush or floss or at your regular dental cleanings, it may be a sign of periodontal disease.

Can you live with periodontal disease?

Living with periodontal disease can cause aesthetic complications and bone loss of a serious nature. Unlike other injuries, periodontal disease does not cause any pain. It is a silent disease when the teeth gum becomes inflamed and bleeds.

Should I get a second opinion on periodontal disease?

Quite simply, if the tooth doesn't hurt and isn't loose, it can likely be saved, at least for a while. So if you are receiving a periodontal diagnosis from a dentist and that diagnosis includes extractions due to periodontal disease, it would make sense to see a periodontist for a second opinion.

Is there no cure for periodontal disease?

At present, there is no cure for periodontal disease, but it can be controlled with good home care and regular visits to the dentist. By doing these, any further loss of bone will be very slow, and it may stop altogether.

How much does it cost to treat periodontitis?

Periodontal Disease treatment cost ranges from $1,700 - $8,000, and teeth extractions average $200.00-$300.00 per tooth. The first treatment option is root scaling and planning. If this is not effective, surgery is needed, potentially using pocket reduction and bone grafting.

Can gums recover from periodontal disease?

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.

Can periodontal pockets be reversed?

These pockets can become filled with infection-causing bacteria. Periodontal pockets are a symptom of periodontitis (gum disease), a serious oral infection. Periodontal pockets can be treated and reversed with good oral hygiene or with dental treatment.

What is aggressive periodontitis?

Aggressive periodontitis is a destructive disease characterized by the following: the involvement of multiple teeth with a distinctive pattern of periodontal tissue loss; a high rate of disease progression; an early age of onset; and the absence of systemic diseases.

What is mild periodontitis?

Slight Periodontal Disease: Slight periodontal disease is the second stage of gum disease. It isn't reversible, but can be managed. Once you reach stage two, the infection has spread to the bone and has begun to destroy bones. The bacteria have become more aggressive, which is what leads to bone less.

What is worse periodontitis or gingivitis?

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and may destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss, and has even been linked to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. When comparing the two, periodontitis is much worse than gingivitis.

How is mild periodontitis treated?

Can teeth be saved with severe periodontal disease?

Saving teeth from periodontal disease is possible if you detect the signs and symptoms early or regularly visit your dentist for cleanings and exams. Let the condition progress unhindered, and tooth loss should be considered as an eventuality.

What is Stage 4 periodontal disease?

In stage four the periodontal disease has taken a firm hold. Your gums will be visibly receding, exposing tender tooth enamel which can be easily damaged and then start to decay. The hidden damage to your jawbone will start to become noticeable as your teeth start to loosen, becoming wobbly or even moving position.

Can antibiotics cure periodontitis?

Gum disease like periodontitis or gingivitis can be treated with antibiotics, although they are not recommended as the sole treatment.