As part of your oral and dental evaluation, this office will perform a Periodontal Screening.

This is an assessment of your gum condition. We will assign you a PSR score (which stands for "Periodontal Screening and Recording"). Following this evaluation, your doctor will determine the best course of action regarding your gums treatment.

Your doctor or hygienist will measure "pockets" that exist between your gums and teeth. This is similar to the space between the cuticle and the nail. In health, this space is not very deep, and can range between 1 to 3 millimeters (approximately the height of the letter "i"). As this pocket begins to trap dental plaque and bacteria, the gums respond by creating a deeper pocket. The critical depth of 5 millimeters should not be exceeded because it denotes the beginning of bone loss in addition to the gum pocket.

In fact, at 5 millimeters depth you have gum disease!

The PSR score is given to six (6) area of your mouth. These are top-right, -front and -left, and bottom-right, -front and -left. The score reflects pocketing as follows:

You will be classified as having a gum disease, if your score is three (3) or higher. A more detailed study (or "charting") of the entire mouth is done in order to record the exact nature and extent of the problem. The initial treatment at this step consists of "deep-under-the-gums" cleaning. This is usually performed under local anesthesia. In an effort to prevent further deterioration, you will be instructed in proper home care. Daily flossing is a must! An electrical toothbrush is highly recommended. A discussion of factors influencing this disease will make you better informed and more aware. You may be given a prescription-strength mouth wash called Peridex. In advance cases, an antibiotic prescription for Doxycycline will be indicated for 7 days.

A thorough re-evaluation of the gum condition with a new PSR score is done 2 weeks after the initial treatment. A Periodontist or gum specialist, is asked to evaluate the case more closely.
If the condition improves, close monitoring of gum pockets is done every 3 to 4 months as well as regular check-ups and preventive maintenance cleanings.

Please understand: Gum disease is incurable but controllable, and, once diagnosed, it must be monitored during your entire life! So treat it for life!!! Please follow your maintenance schedule exactly as proposed by your doctor or hygienist.

If the condition dos not improve, as evidence by continued pocket depths exceeding 5 millimeters, a Periodontist will treat you with pocket-reducing surgery in order to stop your bone loss. Bone loss is the ultimate effect of gum disease and is the leading cause of tooth loss.