Severe periodontitis is diagnosed through a thorough dental examination. The dentist looks for specific signs and symptoms of periodontal disease such as swollen or tender gums, redness of the gums, receding gums, loose teeth, and/or the presence of pus around the teeth and gums. They may also take X-rays to look for any signs of decay or damage to the jawbone, which can be a sign of periodontal disease.
The dentist may also use a special tool to measure the pocket depth, or the gap between the gum and the tooth. If the pocket depth is greater than 3 millimeters, then this may indicate severe periodontitis. The dentist may also measure the tooth mobility, which is the degree to which the tooth can be moved from side to side. If the tooth is too mobile, this can be a sign of severe periodontal disease.
The dentist may also take a sample of the patient’s saliva and have it tested for certain bacteria. If the bacteria levels are high, this can be an indication of periodontal disease. The dentist may also take a sample of the patient’s gingival tissue and examine it under a microscope to look for signs of inflammation or infection, both of which can be signs of severe periodontitis.
Finally, the dentist will ask the patient about any risk factors they may have for periodontal disease, such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, and/or diabetes. This information can help the dentist make a more accurate diagnosis and provide a more comprehensive treatment plan.