Interactive Periodontal Probing Houston, TX
Dentists conduct interactive periodontal probing to measure the depths of pockets around your teeth. Performing this assessment helps you and your dentist understand the current state of your oral health. It can also determine your risk for future gum health and tooth concerns. It can even help identify other underlying health conditions because of the oral-systemic connection.
The interactive part of the diagnostic procedure comes from the knowledge gained by you and your dentist. With this periodontal test, our team at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston may be able to deliver an early periodontal disease diagnosis. Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles may also use probing results to create targeted treatment plans to improve your oral and overall well-being.
Performing Periodontal Probing
Dentists insert a periodontal probe (a thin measuring instrument) into the space between the gum tissue and each of the teeth (called the pocket). The tool measures the depth of that pocket. A healthy pocket depth is between 1 to 3 mm of depth.
If the dentist discovers pocket depths above 4 mm during periodontal probing or if the gums bleed during the procedure. In this case, these signs could tell the dentist that a person has gum disease or periodontal disease. If pockets are deeper than 5 mm, it will be harder to keep teeth and gums clean. At this point, the dentists may recommend additional interventions.
“If pockets are deeper than 5 mm, it will be harder to keep teeth and gums clean.”
Periodontal Charting and What It Reveals
Periodontal charting is the portion of a dental record that tracks oral health over time. It includes a patient's recorded pocket depths, as well as signs of receding or bleeding gums, and a recording of where a patient's teeth attach to the gums.
Periodontal charting also records cavities, missing or rotated teeth, and the health of tooth enamel. The chart should also record tooth movement or damage, as well as any fillings, crowns, implants, or bridges in the mouth. At every visit, the dentist will update a patient's periodontal chart to determine the current state of that patient's oral health. This will help patients identify any warning signs that gum disease may be progressing.
“Periodontal charting is the portion of a dental record that tracks oral health over time.”
Risk Assessment Made by Dentist
With interactive periodontal probing and periodontal charting, a dentist can determine a person's risk for periodontal disease and other oral health concerns. From periodontal charting, a dentist can determine a person's risk for progressing periodontal disease by weighing six different factors:
- How many of the patient’s gums bled during probing
- Number of pockets deeper than 4 mm
- Number of lost teeth
- Patient age
- Underlying health or genetic conditions, including pregnancy or cardiovascular disease
- Smoking or other potential lifestyle risks
Based on these six risk assessment factors, dentists can decide if a patient has a low, moderate, or high risk for periodontal disease.
“From periodontal charting, the dentist can determine a patient’s risk for progressing periodontal disease by weighing six different factors.”
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Who Should Receive Periodontal Testing
Although some people may be more at risk than others in terms of acquiring periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology recommends all adults receive annual screenings. A Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation, or CPE, assesses the patient's periodontal health by examining their teeth, amount of plaque, gums, bite, bone structure, and risk factors. Periodontal testing and the CPE are often done during the initial appointment.
Patients who are at high risk of developing periodontal disease may be asked to undergo testing more than once a year. Factors that contribute to high-risk include:
- Gingivitis
- Poor oral health habits
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy or menopause
- Recreational drug use, such as smoking marijuana or vaping
- Obesity
- Inadequate nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency
- Genetics
- Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes
- Conditions that cause decreased immunity, such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS and cancer treatment
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease
“Although some people may be more at risk than others in terms of acquiring periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology recommends all adults be screened annually.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How is the periodontal probing performed?
Q. What does periodontal charting reveal?
Q. What does a risk assessment made by a dentist show?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the signs of gum disease?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. How is gum recession treated?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Frequently Asked Questions About Interactive Periodontal Probing
Q. When should I receive periodontal probing?
A. The answer depends on the patient. Current guidelines suggest healthy adults receive annual periodontal probing to reduce the risk of gum disease. Patients whose dentists identified higher risk assessment factors may need more frequent periodontal probing to prevent oral health complications.
Q. Will periodontal probing hurt?
A. If you already have periodontal disease, you may experience slight discomfort during periodontal probing. However, little pain is reported during the procedure. If you are concerned about the procedure, you may talk to your dentist about topical numbing creams.
Q. Does periodontal probing make gums bleed?
A. This procedure is designed to check the health of your gums and assess risk factors, including bleeding gums. If your gums bleed during periodontal probing, it is likely a sign that their health is compromised. Bleeding gums are rarely due to probing alone.
Q. What do I do if I have a high risk for periodontal disease?
A. If periodontal probing reveals that you have pockets over 4 mm, you may need frequent in-office cleanings. At this stage, at-home oral hygiene will be difficult. Your dentist can offer specific recommendations but will likely recommend visits every three to six months to prevent disease progression or tooth decay.
Q. What impact can periodontal disease have on my overall health?
A. It is important to work to prevent and treat periodontal disease. Studies have shown gum disease may increase one's risk of other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Some studies even link periodontal disease to cancer, dementia, arthritis, and kidney disease.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
If you are looking for more information pertaining to periodontal probing or testing, call us today at 713-979-4127 to learn more or make an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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