Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is an inflammatory advanced gum disease that can cause damage to the root of the tooth and the bone surrounding the tooth root. Also It affects the connective tissue between these two tissues.. It can be called the advanced state of untreated gingivitis.
Even if periodontitis is a chronic severe gum disease. Sometimes the rate of progression may increase. Often, when it reaches a level that bothers the patient. It means the disease has existed for a long time. Unfortunately It has led to an advanced level of destruction.
There are two types of periodontal disease:
1-Chronic periodontitis
2-Aggressive periodontitis
1-Chronic periodontitis
It occurs at various levels in the society at a rate of 85%. Mostly over the age of 35. It develops due to untreated gingivitis caused by bacterial plaque and tartar problems. The diagnosis of chronic periodontitis can be made by a periodontist. It is determined a result of clinical examination or radiographic evaluation.
The gingiva loses its pinkish color. it becomes darker red, swollen and can bleed easily. It can be seen on radiograph (dental x-ray) that it causes advanced bone loss.
2-Aggressive Periodontitis
Unlike chronic periodontitis, it progresses faster and independently of the local effect of the bacterial plaque. Also it begins to affect the patient in adolescence, young adult and even pre-adolescent period. Early diagnosis is of great importance in preventing early tooth loss in this disease. There is a genetic predisposition to this disease.
This disease not only leads to early loss of teeth. But also can lead to losses in the bone surrounding the teeth. This may lead to difficulties in implant (tooth extraction) and prosthesis applications in the future.
Periodontitis Symptoms
Periodontitis is a bacterial periodontal infection that affects the tissues. ( Especially the bone tissue surrounding the tooth). It can be called advanced form of gum disease.
In gingival disease, when the condition reaches a serious level towards periodontitis. The swollen and red gingival appearance seen in gingivitis begins to occur with bright red or even purple gingival recession.
With gingival recession, the space between the teeth increases and gray-white discharge is seen in these areas.
As the infection deepens, there may be loss of bone and soft tissue surrounding the affected teeth.
What is Periodontitis Treatment?
While tooth extraction was used in the gum disease treatment; Today, with the use of antibiotics, cleaning can be done on the root surfaces of the teeth. Thus the teeth can be kept in the mouth.
In this first stage, all tartar and inflamed tooth root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed. (detertage or curettage is applied). If any, overflow fillings should be replaced and decayed teeth should be treated.
As a result of this initial periodontal disease treatment, gingival bleeding will decrease. Also gingival consistency and color will approach normal criteria. If teeth gum disease is not treated at the beginning, the bone tissue around the tooth roots melts and starts to be lost in a short time. When there is more than a certain amount of bone loss, the teeth may move in their position and begin to shift and wobble.
As a result of the lack of gum treatment, the loss of teeth is inevitable.
How to Prevent Periodontitis?
As can be seen, it is of great importance for all individuals to have regular dental check-ups starting in infancy and continuing this at least once every 6 months a year. However, in addition to all these controls, in order for the individual to have a healthy oral-dental health throughout his life, it is of great importance to take care of oral and dental care together with the specialist in gums and to apply oral care correctly and continuously as taught.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can periodontitis be cured?
It is a disease that can be treated. But it is mostly possible to recur again. Patients needs to do periodontal care their gingivitis for more attentive.
- Is periodontitis a serious disease?
It is serious gum infection and it is important to act quickly for treatment and oral hygiene to prevent the damage.
- Is periodontal treatment painful?
It would cause some discomfort while the procedure. But it would be right to say it is not something fearful.