If you’ve received periodontal care in the past, you’re encouraged to follow up your care with regular periodontal checkups. This is a type of exam that makes sure your gums are healthy. Taking the time to get this checkup can prevent serious gum problems later on. We can help at Southern Colorado Periodontics & Implants (SoCO Perio) in Colorado Springs, CO.
During your periodontal checkup, your periodontist can assess your response to treatment. If all looks good, you likely require no further treatment beyond regular cleanings. However, if your doctor identifies a new or recurring dental issue, we can take immediate action to address and improve your condition.
You do not need a dentist’s referral. Call us at SoCO Perio to schedule your periodontal checkup:
What is a periodontal checkup?
A checkup is simply an opportunity for your doctor to examine your gums closely. They will carefully examine your mouth to look for signs of gingival disease. This can include redness, swelling, or bleeding. Your doctor will also examine your gums to determine if they are receding and if they can adequately support your teeth.
Most of a periodontal checkup focuses on probing the depth of your gum pockets. We know this can sound intimidating, but it’s very simple and mostly pain-free. Gum pockets are the tiny spaces between your gums and your teeth. Your doctor will slide a small probe into the pocket to see where the gums connect to the teeth.
The checkup lets your doctor test the depth of each pocket. Ideally, you should have no more than 3 millimeters of space. A larger pocket depth can mean your gums are pulling away from your teeth.
If your doctor spots any signs of gum problems, they’ll suggest treatments. In some cases, you may need to adjust your oral hygiene routine. In other situations, you may require procedures such as a deep cleaning or a gum graft.
How often is a periodontal checkup needed?
The exact amount of time you should wait between checkups will depend on your oral health. Here are some of the common checkup schedules we use.
- Every three months: This schedule works well for those with active periodontal disease. If you have a problem like periodontitis, you might need frequent exams. This gives the doctor a chance to assess your condition and see if the treatments are working.
- Every six months: If your gums are in general good condition but you are at risk for gum disease, consider a checkup every six months. You can get this alongside your regular cleaning. It helps your doctor catch problems as soon as they develop.
- Every year: Those who are under 30, have good oral hygiene, and do not smoke can wait up to a year between visits. Talk to your doctor before waiting this long between visits, though. It might not be advisable for some patients.
- Emergency checkups: Even if your last checkup was very recent, schedule another one if you notice any sudden changes or new problems. This can include bleeding, gum recession, reddened gums, loose teeth, or gum pain.
Why get a periodontal checkup?
Periodontal checkups are mainly preventative. Most gum problems result from progressive gum disease. This disease gets gradually worse and eventually causes tooth loss. Checkups can catch diseases and infections before they become too severe. This can help reverse the course of infection and maintain your gum health.
Reference: perio.org
Checkups are also an essential part of gum disease treatment. If you already have gum problems, checkups allow the doctor to assess the severity of the issue. This allows them to suggest effective treatment options. Future exams will help your periodontist determine if your treatment is effective or if you should try an alternative approach.
How much does it cost?
The full price of a checkup will depend on what services you get. Many exams include X-rays, which can add around $150 to your costs. Your exam may also incur additional fees if it includes a deep cleaning. However, some periodontists may offer discounted exams when you receive a checkup along with other services. This means your checkup might be anywhere from around $20 to $250.
If you have dental insurance, you may be eligible for assistance with costs. Most insurance will cover the occasional checkup as a preventative measure. Depending on the insurance you have, there may be specific copays or coinsurance for periodontal exams.
Are periodontal checkups different than general dental checkups?
A periodontal checkup can be included as part of a comprehensive general exam. Some dentists will include gum probing and other tests during your regular cleaning and checkup. However, you get more out of the exam if you get it from a periodontist.
The advantage of going to a periodontist is that they specialize in gum care. A periodontist is a dentist who has undergone additional training and education beyond the standard dental curriculum. This means that they are more likely to spot unusual gum disorders or see very subtle signs of early gum disease. Furthermore, a periodontist can address any issues you may have. This means you can receive your care and checkups in one location, rather than having to work with multiple doctors.
If it’s time for your periodontal checkup, schedule your appointment today. At SoCO Perio in Colorado Springs, we can assess your gum health and help you find the right treatment.