can periodontal disease be detected while probing a molar for possible cavity or xray?
a nurse told me it can.

Periodontal disease can be detected by probing around the tooth between the gum and tooth. This space is called a sulcus and should be quite shallow 2-3mm deep.When the gum pulls away from the tooth a pocket forms which is just a deeper sulcus. On x-ray one may be able to see bone loss in the area if periodontal disease has been ongoing for some time.

[This message has been edited by Miranda (edited 04-22-2002).]