Periodontal Exams & Gum Disease Screening in Vancouver
Healthy teeth require a strong, healthy foundation. Your gums and underlying jawbone act as the vital support structures keeping your teeth firmly in place. When bacteria and plaque accumulate over time, they don’t just damage the enamel—they can infect the surrounding tissues. At Shen Dental, Dr. Herbert Fisher and his certified dental assistant provide specialized periodontal exams at our Vancouver dental clinic to catch and treat gum disease before it compromises your smile.
Gum disease often advances quietly without causing significant pain or noticeable symptoms until structural damage has occurred. Routine gum checkups are the absolute best way to defend your smile against irreversible tissue and bone loss.
Why a Periodontal Exam is Vital
A comprehensive periodontal evaluation allows us to accurately track the structural health of your gums and bone levels over time. These screenings allow us to intercept gum issues at their earliest stages:
- Early Detection of Gingivitis: This is the initial stage of gum disease, marked by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. At this stage, the condition is completely reversible with professional cleanings and upgraded home care.
- Preventing Periodontitis: Left untreated, gingivitis progresses into chronic periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets that trap active bacteria. This infection eventually degrades the bone structure, leading to loose teeth and potential tooth extraction.
- A Clear Plan for Receding Gums: If your gums are actively receding due to heavy brushing or grinding, a periodontal exam allows Dr. Fisher to map out a strategy to protect exposed, sensitive roots.
Understanding Gum Pockets & What the Numbers Mean
During your checkup, you will hear Dr. Fisher call out a sequence of numbers to his dental assistant while gently measuring your gum line.
What the measurements mean: We use a tiny, specialized tool called a periodontal probe to measure the millimeter depth of the small cuff or “pocket” between your tooth and gum tissue.
- 1 to 3 Millimeters: Healthy, tight gum attachment.
- 4 Millimeters: Early inflammation or signs of gingivitis.
- 5 Millimeters or More: Advanced pockets indicating active periodontitis, which typically requires a targeted deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).
The Screening Process: What to Expect
A routine periodontal assessment at our Oak Street clinic is integrated smoothly into your regular preventative visits.
Visual Tissue Check
We thoroughly examine your gum tissues for visible signs of redness, active swelling, or structural recession along the tooth roots.
Precision Pocket Charting
Step 2.
Dr. Fisher or his dental assistant carefully measures six specific points around every single tooth to track exact pocket depths and identify target problem areas.
Bone Alignment Review
Dr. Fisher evaluates your recent Digital X-Rays to check the current density of the underlying jawbone supporting your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main warning signs of gum disease?
Q: Is a periodontal exam painful if my gums are already bleeding?
Q: Are periodontal exams covered by insurance or the CDCP?
Book Your Gum Health Exam at Shen Dental Vancouver
Protect the foundation of your smile. Located centrally at 3737 Oak St (Unit 102), Dr. Herbert Fisher and our friendly clinical team are ready to assist you.
