What indicates that a patient is experiencing severe periodontal problems?

Severe periodontal problems are often characterized by continuous growth in pocket depth. As periodontal disease progresses, it results in the breakdown of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and bone. This breakdown leads to deeper pockets forming around the teeth, which indicates that the condition is not only worsening but also that there is a substantial loss of attachment where the periodontal tissues are separating from the teeth. Continuous growth in pocket depth suggests that the disease is active and progressing, which requires immediate attention and intervention to prevent further tissue loss and tooth stability issues.

While bleeding gums, shallow pocket depths, and tooth mobility can all be associated with periodontal issues, they may not always indicate the same severity as the continuous increase in pocket depth. Bleeding gums can be a sign of inflammation, shallow pocket depths may indicate less severe disease, and tooth mobility typically occurs as a consequence of advanced disease but does not necessarily reflect ongoing disease activity like the progressive deepening of pockets does. Therefore, recognizing the continuous growth in pocket depth is crucial for diagnosing severe periodontal problems accurately.