PERIODONTAL EVALUATION

What Is a Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation?

At Malloy Perio, every new patient begins with a Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation (CPE)—the foundation for understanding your oral health and creating a personalized treatment plan.

The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that adults receive a Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation at least once each year to identify periodontal disease early and assess their risk for future problems. Many patients are surprised to learn that periodontal disease often progresses painlessly, making regular evaluation one of the most important steps in protecting both your oral and overall health.

What Does a Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation Include?

Your evaluation is much more than a routine dental exam. We carefully assess the health of your teeth, gums, supporting bone, and surrounding tissues while also considering how your oral health may relate to your overall health.

During your examination, we evaluate:

Your Teeth

We examine every tooth along with existing restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures. We also evaluate tooth position, spacing, wear, and overall function.

Your Gums

Using a periodontal probe, we measure the space between your teeth and gums to determine pocket depths and attachment levels. We also evaluate bleeding, inflammation, gum recession, and other signs of active periodontal disease.

Plaque and Calculus

We identify areas where bacterial plaque and hardened calculus have accumulated, helping us determine where disease is active and what treatment may be necessary.

Bone Support

Digital radiographs and, when appropriate, 3D CBCT imaging allow us to evaluate the bone supporting your teeth and identify areas of bone loss or other underlying concerns that cannot be seen during a visual examination alone.

Your Bite

We evaluate how your teeth fit together, looking for excessive forces, tooth movement, or mobility that may contribute to periodontal breakdown or affect long-term treatment success.

Your Risk Factors

Every patient is unique. We review medical conditions, family history, tobacco use, medications, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and other factors that may increase your risk for periodontal disease or influence healing.

More Than Your Mouth

At Malloy Perio, we believe periodontal health is an important part of overall wellness. Chronic periodontal inflammation has been associated with systemic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and cognitive decline. While every patient is different, understanding these relationships helps us provide care that supports not only your smile, but your long-term health.

Your Consultation

After completing your evaluation, Dr. Malloy will personally review your findings with you using your photographs, digital radiographs, and any necessary 3D imaging. Together, you'll discuss your diagnosis, answer any questions, and review treatment options tailored specifically to your goals and oral health needs.

Our goal is simple: to provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and personalized care needed to help you preserve your natural teeth whenever possible and enjoy a lifetime of healthier smiles.