Periodontal charting is usually performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. During this procedure, the RDH takes six separate depth measurements around each tooth using a specially designed periodontal probe. The readings are transferred to a form that acts like a topological map showing the thickness of the patient's gums in different areas of the mouth.

          The periodontal charting is used to show the success of the gum disease treatment performed in the dental office. It also keeps track of the patient's changes over the years. In most patients, scaling and root planing is the initial gum therapy performed. It is suggested to patients who have periodontal pockets greater than 5 millimeters, bleeding on probing and radiographic evidence of hard calculus under the gums.

          A few weeks after the therapy, new measurements are taken in a new periodontal charting to see if each previous periodontal pocket has shrunk down to the normal 3 mm depths. If not, then gum surgery has to be considered. Regardless of the path of periodontal treatment, these patients are placed on a three or four month recall rather than the normal six month cycle. Scaling and root planing is repeated approximately every two years.

          Periodontal charting is an essential tool to help diagnose gum disease problems and to follow the success of gum therapies.The dentists of the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. They offer gum disease treatment and you are welcome to join their family of patients. If you wish to schedule a free dental consultation with Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call 404-874-7428. It's your first step in insuring that you have a healthy, happy life.