Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the infection that destroys the bone holding the teeth in place. How it is diagnosed, what treatment involves and what can be stopped.
To answer what periodontitis is, we can define it as a serious infection of the gums and ligaments that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone supporting the teeth. It is commonly known as âpyorrhoeaâ.
Before periodontitis treatment begins, the gums have been suffering and giving warning signs for a long time.
The infection spreads from the gingiva (gums) to the ligaments and the bone that holds the tooth in place. It is a serious problem, since in many cases it leads to tooth loss.
Periodontitis treatment can halt its most damaging effects, as this is a common chronic disease that can be prevented. The best way to stay ahead of periodontitis is to maintain proper oral hygiene and have a professional cleaning at least once a year.
Today, 8 out of 10 people in Spain experience gum problems. In most cases this is the consequence of untreated gingivitis
Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults
Today, 8 out of 10 people in Spain experience gum problems
In most cases this is the consequence of untreated gingivitis
STAGES OF PERIODONTITIS
GINGIVITIS
There is inflammation of the gum and the gingival tissues caused by the build-up of
bacterial plaque.
It is characterised by redness of the gums. The patient feels slight pain and the gums may bleed when brushing. They are also mildly sore and bleed when brushing.
There may also be hyperplasia (a slight increase in size), oedema, recession, swelling of the gum tissues, bleeding gums and, in some cases, the formation of gingival pockets. At this stage there is no bone loss.
EARLY PERIODONTITIS
The early stage of periodontal disease is characterised by the progression of gum inflammation and its development, leading to the appearance of periodontal pockets and initial bone loss.
In early periodontitis the gum recedes, so the teeth look longer. Tartar deposits can be seen on the teeth, especially on the lower front teeth.
MODERATE PERIODONTITIS
This is the progression of the previous stage. It is characterised by the destruction and loss of alveolar bone, with the appearance of moderate and deep periodontal pockets.
At this stage, the affected teeth may become mobile. Sometimes the teeth shift and gaps open up between them.
Halitosis, or bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth are typical of this stage of periodontal disease.
Food at very hot or very cold temperatures can cause pain in the patient's gums
ADVANCED OR SEVERE PERIODONTITIS
At this stage, the symptoms of periodontitis described above become worse. The gum bleeds heavily and hurts, which keeps the patient from brushing properly.
This is the most advanced stage of periodontal disease, with significant bone loss as well as significant tooth mobility that, in its final stages, will lead to the loss of the tooth.
A professional dentist can help us with periodontitis treatment at any stage.
Frequently asked questions
What is curettage or scaling and root planing?
It is a deep clean below the gum, under local anaesthetic, to remove the tartar and plaque stuck to the root. It is usually done by quadrants over several sessions and is the basic treatment for periodontitis, before any surgery is considered.
Will my gums grow back?
The gum can become less inflamed and firmer, but gum that has receded does not return to its place on its own, and neither does lost bone. In specific cases there are regenerative techniques or gum grafts; these are assessed once the infection is under control.
Is periodontitis linked to other diseases?
Yes. It is linked in both directions with diabetes, and it is associated with a higher cardiovascular risk and with complications in pregnancy. It is a chronic infection with general repercussions, and that is one of the reasons for treating it beyond the mouth.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Gums that bleed, persistent bad breath, receding gums with teeth that look longer, sensitivity at the neck of the tooth, teeth that become loose or drift apart and, in advanced stages, abscesses. It often progresses without pain, and that is the reason it is diagnosed late.
When is periodontitis severe?
When bone loss is extensive, the pockets measured on probing are deep and the teeth start to become loose. At that point the goal shifts from curing to halting the disease and keeping the teeth for as long as possible. The prognosis is worse with smoking and poorly controlled diabetes, and much better with regular periodontal maintenance.
What kills the bacteria that cause periodontitis?
There is no tablet or mouthwash that solves it. The bacteria live in a biofilm attached to the root and can only be removed mechanically: scaling and root planing and, afterwards, regular maintenance. Antibiotics and mouthwashes are occasional support in specific cases, never the main treatment.
Related articles
Periodontal disease: symptoms and gum treatment
Bleeding or receding gums and bad breath: how periodontal disease progresses, how it is diagnosed and which treatments stop it in âŠ
Dr Manuel DĂaz Cano ·