Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which leads to the formation of plaque and tartar on the teeth. If not properly removed, these substances can irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed.

What is Periodontitis?

In the early stages of periodontitis, the gums may become red, swollen, and bleed easily. As the disease progresses, the gums can recede, or pull away, from the teeth, forming pockets that can collect more bacteria. This can lead to the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to the loss of teeth.

Can Periodontitis be Cured?

Periodontitis can be treated with a combination of professional cleaning, medications, and at-home oral hygiene practices. In advanced cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to restore the health of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is important to see a dentist or periodontist regularly to diagnose and treat periodontitis in its early stages, before it progresses and causes more serious problems.

How to Treat Periodontitis?

Treatment for periodontitis typically includes a combination of the following:

Professional cleaning: This involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth by a dental professional. This may be done through a process called scaling, in which the dental professional uses special instruments to remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing may also be performed, which involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to remove any rough or uneven areas that may harbor bacteria.

Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed to help kill the bacteria that cause periodontitis and reduce inflammation. These may be in the form of mouth rinses, gels, or pills.

At-home oral hygiene practices: It is important to brush and floss regularly to help remove plaque and prevent the buildup of tartar. Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend the use of special mouth rinses or interdental cleaners to help manage the condition.

Surgical procedures: In advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical procedures may be necessary to restore the health of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. These procedures may include gum grafts, bone grafts, or the placement of dental implants.

It is important to see a dental professional regularly for cleanings and check-ups to help diagnose and treat periodontitis in its early stages, before it progresses and causes more serious problems. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, to help prevent the development of periodontitis or to manage the condition if it is present.

What Causes are Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria in the mouth combine with saliva and other substances to form a sticky film on the teeth, it is called plaque. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a substance called tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

Plaque and tartar can irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed, a condition known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. In periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can collect even more bacteria. As the disease progresses, the supporting structures of the teeth, including the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, can be destroyed, leading to tooth loss.

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing periodontitis, including:

Poor oral hygiene
Tobacco use
Certain medications
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and HIV
A family history of periodontitis

It is important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, to help prevent the development of periodontitis. Seeing a dentist or periodontist regularly for cleanings and check-ups can also help detect and treat the condition in its early stages.

Is Periodontitis Reversible?

In the early stages, it is reversible with proper treatment. However, once the supporting structures of the teeth have been destroyed, the damage is permanent and cannot be reversed.

It is important to see a dentist or periodontist as soon as possible if you think you may have periodontitis, so that it can be diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Treatment for periodontitis typically includes a combination of professional cleaning, medications, and at-home oral hygiene practices. In advanced cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to restore the health of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Periodontitis Staging and Grading

Periodontitis is typically staged and graded based on the severity of the condition. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has developed a classification system that is commonly used to stage and grade periodontitis. This system is based on the extent of attachment loss, which refers to the distance between the gum tissue and the top of the tooth root.

The AAP’s classification system includes four stages of periodontitis:

Stage 1: Mild periodontitis. This is characterized by minimal attachment loss (1-2 mm).

Stage 2: Moderate periodontitis. This is characterized by moderate attachment loss (3-4 mm).

Stage 3: Severe periodontitis. This is characterized by severe attachment loss (5 mm or greater).

Stage 4: Very severe periodontitis. This is characterized by very severe attachment loss (7 mm or greater).

Periodontitis is also typically graded based on the extent of the disease and the amount of damage that has occurred to the supporting structures of the teeth. There are three grades of periodontitis:

Grade 1: This is the mildest form of periodontitis and is characterized by minimal attachment loss and minimal destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth.

Grade 2: This is a moderate form of periodontitis and is characterized by moderate attachment loss and moderate destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth.

Grade 3: This is the most severe form of periodontitis and is characterized by severe attachment loss and significant destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth.

Things to Consider of Before and After Periodontitis Treatment

Before undergoing treatment for periodontitis, it is important to consider the following:

The type of treatment: Different treatment options are available for periodontitis, including professional cleanings, medications, and surgical procedures. It is important to discuss the options with a dental professional and choose the one that is most appropriate for your specific needs.

The cost of treatment: Periodontitis treatment can be expensive, especially if it involves surgical procedures. It is important to discuss the cost of treatment with your dental professional and consider your budget when making a decision.

The potential risks and side effects: All medical treatments carry some risk of side effects or complications. It is important to discuss the potential risks and side effects of periodontitis treatment with your dental professional and weigh the benefits against the potential risks before proceeding.

After undergoing treatment for periodontitis, it is important to consider the following:

Follow-up care: Periodontitis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care to prevent recurrence. It is important to follow the instructions of your dental professional for follow-up care, including regular cleanings and check-ups, to help prevent the condition from returning.

Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as quitting smoking or reducing your intake of sugary foods and drinks, can help prevent the recurrence of periodontitis. It is important to discuss these changes with your dental professional and make any necessary adjustments to help manage the condition.

Is Oral Hygiene Important for Periodontitis?

Good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, is essential to help prevent the recurrence of periodontitis. It is important to follow the instructions of your dental professional for at-home oral hygiene practices to help manage the condition.