Diagnosing Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by either a dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination, which is usually a part of your regular dental checkup. It is mainly diagnosed through two methods: measuring pocket depth and dental X-rays.

Measuring Pocket Depth with an Instrument

As plaque builds up, it results in acid that easts into the teeth and gums, which causes pockets of space to appear between the two. This pocket depth is identified using a metal periodontal probe, which is inserted beneath the gum line. A pocket depth in the range of 1-3 mm is considered normal. However, people with pocket depths greater than 5 mm may have periodontal disease.

Dental X-Rays

Once the pocket depth has been measured and the dentist identifies it as a problem, X-rays are taken to determine whether there is any kind of bone loss. Bone loss is typically a sign of an advanced periodontal disease.

Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, your diagnosis that will fall into a category below:

Gingivitis:

This is the first stage of periodontal disease and is, therefore, the mildest. It is characterized by swollen, tender gums that are likely to bleed.

Periodontitis:

This is when plaque has hardened into calculus (tartar). As the plaque and calculus continue to buildup, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. The pockets between the teeth and gums become deeper and become filled with bacteria and pus. In addition, the gums very inflamed and bleed easily and slight bone loss may also be present.

Advanced Periodontitis:

The teeth become less supported as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be damaged. Unless treated, the effected teeth will become quite loose and may be lost. Moderate to severe bone loss may also be present.

If you would like to learn more about diagnosing periodontal disease, please contact our dental office in Scottsdale, Arizona, at 480-999-9472 to schedule your appointment.

Invisalign Provider Logo

We are proud to be Gold Provider of Invisalign® treatment! Many of our patients had never considered traditional braces but are now happily and comfortably improving their smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign treatment is ideal for your busy schedule, with fewer doctor visits required (approximately once every six weeks).

Invisalign Clear Aligners

The Invisalign system straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. From mild cases of crooked teeth and protruding teeth, to much more difficult dental problems involving serious malocclusion, overbite, or underbite, Invisalign clear aligners effectively corrects a wide variety of dental problems. Whether your teeth are widely gapped, overly crowded or somewhere in between, we have an affordable Invisalign teeth-straightening option just for you.

How to Wear Invisalign Clear Aligners

After your dentist gives you your custom-fit invisible aligners, you will wear the smooth plastic orthodontics 20-22 hours each day. You can remove your aligners to eat, which means you can continue enjoying all of your favorite foods without any restrictions. You will also remove your aligners to clean your teeth, so you don’t need to change the way you floss and brush each day, making good hygiene easy! The average treatment time for patients with Invisalign treatment is just around a year. This simple process will fly by and you’ll be loving your new and improved smile in no time.

Invisalign First for Kids

Some kids can benefit from early orthodontic intervention to help improve their bite and prevent future problems. Anywhere from ages 6-10 kids can benefit from this type of treatment known a phase 1. 

There is an option for this stage of orthodontia! It’s called Invisalign First. It is designed to deliver effective results for child who is still growing and developing. It is made for comfort, without the hassle of extra hygiene care or food restrictions.

Invisalign Teen Provider

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen comes with all of the same great benefits as the original Invisalign clear aligners, but with a few added features. Invisalign Teen utilizes a Blue Dot Wear Indicator to monitor the amount of time that each aligner is worn. We also provide six free replacement aligners with Invisalign Teen in case aligners become lost or broken.

If you’re interested in all of the Invisalign Teen advantages like increased comfort, shorter wear time, fewer appointments, and no food restrictions, give us a call today. We will make it easy for you to get your ideal smile.

Invisalign Treatment for Adults

We now offer Invisalign treatment for adults! Many adults are hesitant to straighten their teeth for many different reasons: The visible wires and brackets, extra care required, food restrictions and time visiting the dentists. Invisalign clear aligners frees you from all of these hassles. These clear, custom fitted appliances allow you to be treated without being noticed! Since they are removable, there is no extra hygiene care and you can eat whatever you like. You will also spend less time in the dentist chair, with an average of 1 visit per 6 weeks. There has never been a better time and easier way to get the smile you’ve always wanted.

Invisalign Clear Aligner Results

Invisalign treatment is not only convenient and easy, but effective.  Take a look at some of the results:

Porcelain Veneers Chandler, AZ
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Porcelain Veneers Chandler, AZ
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Porcelain Veneers Chandler, AZ
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Invisalign Before & After Results
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Invisalign Chandler, AZ
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Invisalign Before & After Results
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Invisalign Treatment Cost

Invisalign clear aligners are similarly priced to braces. Price depends on the complexity and length of treatment.  The good news is that there are several options.  Your insurance may cover part of the cost if you have orthodontic coverage. Our treatment coordinator will be happy to look up your benefit and go over specific coverage with you.  If you don’t have orthodontic coverage,

Let's do it!

Ready for your free consultation?  Call our East Office location 480-821-4000. If you want to learn more about Invisalign® treatment and how it works, please visit the Invisalign® Website!

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.

Itero Element 5D

iTero Element 5D       Just one scan! 

First intraoral scanner that aids in the detection of interproximal caries lesion1Scan the structures of a tooth (enamel & dentin) in real time and watch as the iTero Element 5D’s near-infrared imaging2 (NIRI) technology reveals the internal tooth structure without using harmful radiation.

iTero Element 5D       Just one scan! 
  • Aids in detecting and monitoring proximal caries by scanning at every routine appointment, without using harmful radiation
  • Distinguish enamel and dentine structure for even better prosthetic design
  • Support your diagnostic capabilities for comprehensive preventive and restorative oral care
  • Combine the power of diagnostic, restorative, and Invisalign workflows in a single, comprehensive scan
Learn more