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  • Monterey, California - 2 Via Joaquin 93940
  • Carmel Valley, California - 108 Mid Valley Center 93923
  • (831) 375-2322 | Monterey, California - 2 Via Joaquin
  • (831)574-8252 | Carmel Valley, California - 108 Mid Valley Center

Diagnosis

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination.  This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.

A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.  The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed.  The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.  Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Periodontitis

Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar).  As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth.  Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus.  The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily.  Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

Advanced Periodontitis

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed.  Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost.  Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

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What sets Dr. Brown and our team apart from other offices? It doesn't matter how much we know until you know we care! We realize that providing excellent dentistry includes caring for our patients with empathy and compassion in making every visit a pain-free, comfortable experience. Dr. Brown's skill and technique are complimented by his team's attention to each patient's individual needs.

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Office Locations

2 Via Joaquin
Monterey, CA 93940
MAP & Directions
Call: (831) 375-2322

108 Mid Valley Center
Carmel, CA 93923
Map & Directions
Call: (831) 574-8252