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PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease) is a common inflammatory condition that affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth, eventually affecting the jawbone itself in the disease’s most advanced stages. Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. A bacterial infection affects the gums when the toxins contained in plaque begin to irritate and inflame the gum tissues. Once this bacterial infection colonizes in the gum pockets between the teeth, it becomes much more difficult to remove and treat. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that eventually leads to the destruction of the connective tissue and jawbone. If left untreated, it can cause shifting teeth, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.

TYPES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

When left untreated, gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) can spread to below the gum line.  When the gums become irritated by the toxins contained in plaque, a chronic inflammatory response causes the body to break down and destroy its own bone and soft tissue. There may be little or no symptoms as periodontal disease causes the teeth to separate from the infected gum tissue. Deepening pockets between the gums and teeth are generally indicative that soft tissue and bone is being destroyed by periodontal disease. Some of the most common types of periodontal disease include:
Chronic periodontitis
Inflammation within supporting tissues cause deep pockets and gum recession. It may appear the teeth are lengthening, but in actuality, the gums (gingiva) are receding.  This is the most common form of periodontal disease.
Aggressive periodontitis
This form of gum disease occurs in an otherwise clinically healthy individual. It is characterized by rapid loss of gum attachment, chronic bone destruction and familial aggregation.
Necrotizing periodontitis
This form of periodontal disease most often occurs in individuals suffering from systemic conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression and malnutrition. Necrosis (tissue death) occurs in the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and gingival tissues.
Periodontitis caused by systemic disease
This form of gum disease often begins at an early age. Medical conditions such as respiratory disease, diabetes and heart disease are common co-factors.

TREATMENT FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE

There are many surgical and non-surgical treatments the periodontist may choose to perform, depending upon the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone. A complete periodontal exam of the mouth will be done before any treatment is performed or recommended. Some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease are:
  • Scaling and root planing – In order to preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar), which initially caused the infection, must be removed. The gum pockets will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics as necessary to help alleviate the infection. A prescription mouthwash may be incorporated into daily cleaning routines.
  • Tissue regeneration – When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, re-growth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures.
  • Pocket elimination surgery – Pocket elimination surgery, also known as flap surgery, is a surgical treatment, which can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Surgery on the jawbone is another option, which serves to eliminate indentations in the bone.
  • Dental implants – When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone. Tissue regeneration procedures may be required prior to the placement of a dental implant in order to strengthen the bone.

WHAT ELSE DOES PERIODONTAL DISEASE DO?

Periodontal disease does not just destroy the gums and bone of your mouth. In fact, many researchers have found correlations between periodontitis and other sicknesses that affect the human body. Included are:
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Respiratory Disease

For more information on how to combat periodontal disease, or to see if any of these other ailments can affect you, talk to a member of our team.