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Ever wonder why we "probe" your gums and hear the multitude of numbers being called out? Well...read on to find out why!
Our Dental Hygienists probe your gums as part of your comprehensive periodontal examination to assess the health of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. Typically this is done one time a year Here’s why they do it:
Assess Gum Health: By measuring the pocket depths, hygienists can determine if there is any inflammation, bleeding, or infection in the gum tissues. This helps them identify stages of gum disease, from gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis.
Evaluate Attachment Loss: The probe helps assess how well your gums are attached to your teeth. Significant attachment loss can lead to tooth loss. Understanding your probe levels can help guide treatment plans.
Detect Plaque and Calculus: While probing, hygienists can also check for areas where plaque or tartar (calculus) has accumulated. This can help in identifying areas that need more attention during cleaning.
Monitor Changes Over Time: Regular probing helps track changes in your gum health and bone levels over time, allowing for early detection of problems and more effective management of your oral health.
Overall, probing is a vital diagnostic tool to ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy and to provide the necessary treatment to prevent or address gum disease.
So, next time we say you are due for your periodontal assessment - you can understand the importance of this documentation of your oral health!