In order to diagnose periodontitis, your dentist or dental hygienist needs to perform a periodontal examination. Whenever you go to the dentist for a regular check-up, you should always include this type of exam in the procedure.

In order to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between a tooth and the gums, a periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used.  A healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less in depth and does not bleed.  Periodontal probes are used to determine whether pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  There is a tendency for the pockets to become deeper as the periodontal disease progresses.

Depending on the extent of the pocket depth, bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., your dentist or hygienist will be able to make a diagnosis that will fall into one of the following categories: