If you’ve recently had your semi-annual cleaning and exam, you may remember the hygienist taking a small tool and “poking” your gums. This is a routine procedure to determine how deep the pockets between your teeth and gums are.
“To determine whether you have periodontitis and how severe it is, your dentist may measure the pocket depth of the groove between your gums and teeth by placing a dental probe beside your tooth beneath your gum line, usually at several sites throughout your mouth. In a healthy mouth, the pocket depth is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters (mm). Pockets deeper than 4 mm may indicate periodontitis. Pockets deeper than 6 mm cannot be cleaned well.” – MayoClinic.org
If the dental probe goes deeper than 4mm, you may need non–surgical periodontal treatment. This can be performed by your hygienist, or in some cases you may be referred to a periodontist. Scaling and Root Planing is typically what they will start with, this is just deep cleaning the pockets surrounding your teeth. This prevents further damage, and can be followed by cleanings every four months. It’s common to feel a little bit sore after this initial appointment, but by following good oral health care, you can help to achieve a successful outcome. Eventually you will only need cleanings every six months.