by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MoreSimply brushing and flossing every day is not enough to maintain good oral health; people must also have regular dental checkups. It is necessary to conduct a periodontal examination as part of the routine dental care of people who are particularly concerned about their gum health or at risk for periodontal disease. In San Jose, Dr. Rana Baroudi, a top-rated periodontist, provides complete periodontal assessments that help identify and control gum diseases early on to ensure your mouth is in its best possible state.
This article will discuss what happens during a periodontal exam, why it’s important, and how it contributes to keeping up with a bright smile.
A periodontal examination is a thorough evaluation of your gums and the tissues that support your teeth. The goal is to detect any signs of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious issues, including tooth loss. Unlike regular dental check-ups that primarily focus on cavities, this exam also assesses the overall health of your gums and the bone that holds your teeth in place.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, occurs when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth, especially along the gum line where your toothbrush and floss may not reach easily. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can cause inflammation in the gums. Over time, this can lead to the formation of pockets between the gums and the bone, which support the roots of your teeth, creating a more serious condition.
Periodontitis is often called a silent disease because it can progress without causing pain or noticeable symptoms until it reaches advanced stages, at which point people may start losing their teeth due to severe damage to the jawbone that holds them in place. Regular periodontal check-ups are crucial for early detection and prevention. Dr. Baroudi can identify the signs of gum disease in its early stages, allowing for timely intervention that can prevent tooth loss and preserve both your oral and overall health.
Additionally, gum disease is linked to various other health conditions, including heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, particularly in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, keeping your gums healthy is essential not only for maintaining good oral hygiene but also for supporting your overall well-being.
A thorough assessment of your gums and the structures that support your teeth is a key part of any periodontal examination, and this is exactly what you can expect when visiting Dr. Rana Baroudi at Baroudi Dental Care in San Jose. Here’s what typically happens during a periodontal exam focused on your gum health:
Medical History Review: Before the examination begins, Dr. Baroudi will review your medical history and discuss any current concerns you might have, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or tooth sensitivity. It’s important to mention any other health conditions you have, like diabetes or heart disease, as these can affect your gum health. Additionally, lifestyle factors like smoking can also impact your gums and will be taken into consideration.
Visual Examination of the Gums: The first step in the periodontal exam is a visual inspection of your gums. Dr. Baroudi will closely examine them for signs of inflammation, redness, or swelling. She’ll also check for gum recession, where the gums pull back from the teeth, exposing the roots. This is a common sign of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of decay.
Measurement of Gum Pockets: Measuring gum pockets is a critical part of the exam. Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth, creating a pocket depth of 1-3 millimeters. However, when gum disease is present, these pockets can deepen, making it difficult to clean them properly and providing a breeding ground for bacteria. Dr. Baroudi will use a dental probe to measure the depth of these pockets. She’ll gently insert the probe between the teeth and gums to assess how deep the pockets are, which helps determine the severity of the disease and track the effectiveness of treatment over time.
Checking for Bleeding and Pus: While probing the gums, Dr. Baroudi will also check for any signs of bleeding or pus. These are clear indicators of inflammation and infection, which need immediate attention to prevent the condition from worsening.
Tooth Mobility Assessment: Periodontal disease can weaken the structures that hold your teeth in place, leading to tooth loss. To assess this, Dr. Baroudi will gently wiggle each tooth to see if it moves more than it should. Any unusual movement could indicate an advanced stage of gum disease that requires urgent treatment.
Dental X-rays: In some cases, X-rays may be needed to get a better view of the bone levels around your teeth and to detect any abscesses that might not be visible during the visual examination. X-rays provide a clearer picture of the extent of the disease and help Dr. Baroudi design the most effective treatment plan.
Bite Evaluation and Occlusion: The way your upper and lower teeth come together when you chew (known as your bite) is also an important aspect of periodontal health. A misaligned bite can put excessive pressure on certain teeth, leading to gum recession and bone loss in those areas. During the exam, Dr. Baroudi will evaluate your bite to identify any issues that might need to be addressed.
After completing your periodontal examination, Dr. Baroudi will discuss her findings with you right away. If she identifies any signs of periodontal disease during the exam, she will explain the severity of the condition and recommend a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. This plan could include procedures like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotic therapy, or even surgery, depending on the situation.
For patients with healthy gums, Dr. Baroudi will provide advice on how to maintain them. This includes tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and possibly some lifestyle changes to help reduce the risk of developing gum disease.
A periodontal examination is crucial not only for your oral health but for your overall well-being. Early treatment of gum disease can prevent serious complications in the future. If gum disease is diagnosed during your check-up, Dr. Rana Baroudi will begin treatment immediately to prevent any further damage. Scheduling a periodontal exam is essential, especially if you’re at risk for gum disease or concerned about your gum health—it helps keep your smile bright and healthy.
If you need a periodontal exam or have any concerns about your gum health, please call our office today! Our friendly staff will help you schedule an appointment at a convenient time with Dr. Baroudi, who provides personalized care backed by her extensive knowledge and experience in dentistry. You can trust that she has everything under control when it comes to taking care of your gums and keeping them healthy.
