What to Expect at Your First Periodontal Exam

Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS

Reading time: four minutes.

If your dentist has referred you for a periodontal exam, you might wonder what happens during this visit. Will it hurt? Will they find anything serious? And what does a periodontist even do?

This blog explains what to expect at your first periodontal exam, why it matters for your oral health, and how our periodontists in Colorado help you protect your smile and overall dental health.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

A periodontal exam helps detect gum disease and bone loss early so you can protect your teeth and smile. It includes a full evaluation, measurements, digital x-rays, oral cancer screening, and a personalized treatment plan. Early diagnosis makes treatment easier and helps avoid tooth loss.

Our Periodontal Services in Colorado

At Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants, our periodontists—Dr. Mike Norouzinia and Dr. Kerri Font, provide a full range of services:

  • Periodontal exams and gum disease treatment
  • Scaling & root planing (deep cleaning)
  • Laser gum therapy
  • Gum grafting
  • Crown lengthening
  • Dental implants and dental implant surgeries
  • Bone grafting and ridge augmentation
  • Cosmetic gum surgery for gummy smiles
  • Periodontal maintenance and periodontal care

If your dentist has recommended that you see a periodontist, or if you are considering dental implants, book a consultation at our periodontist office in Highlands Ranch and Sloan’s Lake, CO. If you would like your dentist to refer you to our office, please have them complete our referral form. 

Now Serving Two Locations

Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants is proud to serve patients at both our established Highlands Ranch office and our new location in Sloan’s Lake, Denver. Same trusted care—now in two convenient locations.

What Is a Periodontal Exam?

Unlike a basic dental cleaning, this visit focuses on your gum health and the deeper tissues that hold your teeth in place. Many people do not realize they have gum disease until symptoms become serious. Early detection can save your teeth and help avoid major dental procedures later.

If your dentist has referred you to a periodontist, it’s because they’ve identified signs of gum disease or bone loss that require specialized care beyond routine cleanings.

Step 1: Medical and Dental History

At your first visit, our periodontists review your medical and dental history. Some health conditions, such as diabetes, smoking, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications, can increase your risk of gum disease.

We also ask about any symptoms you may have noticed:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Gum recession
  • Loose teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Pain when chewing

This helps us understand your needs and tailor your periodontal treatment.

Step 2: Comprehensive Gum Examination

Next, we carefully examine your gums and bone health:

  • Pocket depth measurement: We gently use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the periodontal pockets around each tooth. Deeper pocket depths can indicate active gum disease or bone loss.
  • Gum recession: We check for areas where gums have pulled away from the teeth.
  • Bleeding points: Bleeding during probing signals gum inflammation and infection.
  • Tooth mobility: Loose teeth may indicate advanced periodontal disease.

Step 3: Digital X-Rays and Imaging

We take high-quality digital x-rays to check for:

  • Bone loss and bone levels
  • Infection below the gumline
  • Hidden decay
  • Abscesses
  • Oral cancer or abnormalities

If you are considering dental implants or more complex treatments, we may also use advanced imaging such as CBCT scans to assess your bone structure in detail.

Step 4: Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

After gathering all the data, our periodontists explain the findings in clear language. If you have active periodontal disease, we recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your condition. This may include:

  • Scaling & root planing
  • Laser gum therapy
  • Gum grafting
  • Bone grafts
  • Maintenance care to stabilize your gum health
  • Periodontal surgery if needed
Does a Periodontal Exam Hurt?Most people find a periodontal exam to be comfortable and easy to tolerate. During the exam, we use a thin instrument to measure the space between your teeth and gums. This might feel a little tender if your gums are inflamed, but it’s usually quick and gentle. If you feel anxious about dental visits, let us know—there are ways we can help you feel more relaxed.

Why Early Detection Matters

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults—and it often develops without obvious symptoms. By the time your teeth feel loose or your gums begin to recede, significant damage may have already occurred.

A simple periodontal exam can identify problems early, before bone loss or tooth loss begins. Early treatment not only protects your smile but also supports your overall health, as gum disease has been linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

If you are considering dental implants, healthy gums and strong bone are critical for long-term success. Your first periodontal exam allows us to build the right foundation from the start.

Schedule Your Periodontal Exam in Highlands Ranch or Sloan’s Lake

Whether you are dealing with gum inflammation, plaque buildup, or planning for dental implants, a periodontal exam is the first step. Our experienced team also includes an oral cancer screening as part of your comprehensive care. Book your visit today.

To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO, call (303) 683-1144 or visit us at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd. #225, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.

To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Sloan’s Lake, call (303) 683-1144 or visit us at 525 North Raleigh Street Suite 130 Denver, CO 80204.

A healthy smile starts with healthy gums. Book your visit and take the first step toward long-term oral health. We accept most dental insurance plans and will help you understand your coverage.

Categories: Periodontics