Diagnosis

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination.  This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.

A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.  The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed.  The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.  Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Periodontitis

Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar).  As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth.  Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus.  The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily.  Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

Advanced Periodontitis

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed.  Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost.  Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

I had an entire dental replacement procedure done over the last 18 months. All new crowns to replace my worn teeth. BridgeCreek Prosthetic Dentistry did an amazing job and it was life changing for me. I now feel excited to smile again after many years of hiding. Dr Butler and his staff are just fantastic! Caring, attentive and professional. The entire experience was positive and it has given me a new found confidence in my appearance.

Thank you BridgeCreek

Ed G.

Dr. Waguespack gave me the smile I always dreamed of which also gave me the confidence to truly enjoy it.
From my very first (tearful!) consultation, he brought compassion, expertise, and steady reassurance to every step of my journey, from recommending Invisalign to the final restoration. He answered every question with patience, listened with care, and never made me feel rushed. He was precise and detail-oriented with a sharp eye for fine-tuning every area of my dental work. That level of care and artistry made my new smile not just beautiful, but truly mine.
My process with Dr. W wasn’t just about misaligned teeth or a crooked smile - it was about helping me feel like myself again. I always felt respected, supported, and genuinely cared for and not just by Dr. Waguespack but by his entire office team. They were warm, professional, and made every visit a pleasure.
I’ll be recommending Dr. Waguespack to anyone in need of prosthodontic care or even a thorough consultation. I don’t just have a beautiful smile now, I have a renewed comfort in being myself that shows in every photo, every laugh, and every moment where I feel free to simply be me.
Gratitude to Dr. Waguespack and all the caring people at BridgeCreek Prosthetic Dentistry.

Barbara V.

I have been seeing Dr. Butler and his staff at BridgeCreek Prosthetic Dentistry for over five
years for regular dentistry and other oral health issues. Dr. Butler's approach to dentistry has
been perfect for my needs, as he understand and treats serious problems when they arise,
but also takes a conservative approach when it is warranted, and does not perform
unnecessary treatments or interventions. This has saved me not only significant sums of
money over what other care providers recommended for my oral health needs, but has also
saved me from a lot of unnecessary procedures and the pain and inconvenience related
thereto.

I would recommend Bridgecreek Prosthetic Dentistry to anyone, no matter what level of oral
health care you need.

Jeremy S.

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