It represents an infection of the tissues that support our teeth, including the gum, the alveolar bone and the ligament that connects the tooth to the tooth socket.

This disease is caused by bacteria that accumulate on the surface of the tooth and that multiply. This causes the alveolar bone around the teeth to be slowly and gradually destroyed.

Without proper care, this will eventually lead to a loss of teeth with all that it entails.

It can touch one or more teeth or it can be generalized to the entire mouth.

In certain cases, we also talk about aggressive and chronic periodontitis. The situation can get worse with the formation of a periodontal dental abscess. The gum becomes swollen and painful, with pus coming out, and even bone loss in more serious cases. The tooth then begins to move. This situation is irreversible.

The best way to treat this disease is prevention, a good diagnosis by a periodontics specialist followed by an individualized treatment and maintenance program.

Cause

Bacterial plaque that is deposited on the tooth is directly responsible.

If plaque is not removed by brushing the teeth, it will calcify and form tartar that over time will intrude between the gum and the tooth and cause inflammation of the gum - GINGIVITY. Left untreated, it can reach deeper tissues leading to bone loss, gingival recession and tooth mobility.

Risk factors

• Genetic factors

• Poor oral hygiene with no or insufficient brushing

• Some general diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and recently some evidence regarding rheumatoid arthritis and respiratory diseases

• Smoking

• Excessive consumption of alcohol

• Infection with viruses, including HIV or other herpes-like viruses

• Certain treatments and medications such as anticoagulants, antiepileptics, antirejection drugs after transplants or antihypertensives

• Stress

• Age, because the risk increases as you get older

• Hormonal changes in women: puberty, pregnancy and menopause are moments of great change that increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases.

Symptoms

• Bleeding in the gum

• Swelling of the gums

• The formation of pockets between the gum and the surface of the tooth root

• A loosening of the tooth that makes it more visible

• Pain (but it can also be quite painless)

• One or more teeth moving

• Bad breath

• A bad taste in the mouth

Treatment and individual program for the stabilization of advanced periodontal disease

We first carry out a descaling since plaque and tartar are the main culprits behind periodontal disease. We also perform a deep cleaning of the gingival pockets, both manually and with the laser. It is possible that we prescribe an anti-inflammatory or an antibiotic if the infection has already reached an advanced stage.

Several appointments for several descaling are essential in order to monitor that the treatment is progressing as expected. Monitoring the response to the proposed treatment is the key to success in the battle against periodontal disease.

Unfortunately, sometimes these methods are not enough and insufficient results are obtained. In such cases, it may be necessary to resort to surgery.

The techniques are different according to the lesions requiring treated:

• The sanitation flap technique: in this case, the dentist will take the gum off the tooth to be closer to the bone root.  Tartar and plaque will be removed and the bone environment of the tooth will be improved. This method will allow complete healing of the gum. The periodontal pocket will be removed.

• The guided tissue regeneration technique: it will regenerate tissue by restoring lost support tissue—bone and gingival tissue and periodontal ligament. The periodontology specialist will perform various techniques using a membrane which will ultimately form a barrier inside the periodontium. The tissue will then be able to regenerate in this newly-created space.

Prevention

Once the treatment of periodontal disease is under control, you should regularly consult your dentist or the periodontal specialist who has set up your maintenance program (2 to 4 times a year).

It is advisable to go to the office even if you think everything is fine. During these periodic appointments, our dental specialist does not only look for cavities. They will also inspect the general condition of your teeth and gums, as well as check for the presence of periodontal bleeding or dental abscess. If there is a risk of periodontitis, we will act accordingly.

Source : Dentaly.org