Periodontal Disease Diagnosis

You’ll receive a periodontal exam from Dr. Ochev or one of our registered dental hygienists as part of your regular dental check-up.

What does it involve?

We use a small periodontal probe gently to measure the pockets or spaces between your teeth and gums. The depth of a healthy pocket measures three millimeters or less and doesn’t bleed. As periodontal disease progresses, pockets usually get deeper.

Based on the depths of your pockets, the amount of bleeding, inflammation, as well as other indicators, we make a diagnosis that falls into one of these categories:

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate your gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Periodontis
Plaque hardens into tartar. As plaque and tartar continue to build up, your gums begin to recede from your teeth. Deeper pockets form between your gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. Your gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

Advanced Periodontis
Your teeth lose more support as your gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, your affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

  • EvoSmile $295 Introductory Offer


    Our “New Patient Experience” special package is a comprehensive dental exam which includes necessary X-rays, an oral cancer screening, a periodontal exam, a TMJ evaluation, and a regular cleaning*.


    This offer is for uninsured new patients only and is not valid with any other offers. To receive this offer, you must mention it when you book your appointment. Some restrictions apply. Please call us at +1 415-499-1717 to find out more.


    *Cleaning is scheduled as a separate dental hygiene appointment.

  • Invisalign Anytime Offer


    Our Invisalign® offer is available to you any time. It includes a free consultation, a down payment match up to $500, free teeth whitening ($350 value), and a low payment plan. This offer is not valid with any other offers. To receive this offer, you must mention it when you book your appointment. Some restrictions apply. Please call us at +1 415-499-1717 to find out more.


    This offer is not sponsored by Align Technology, Inc., the makers of Invisalign aligners. Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.