Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is inflammation of the periodontium which includes teeth, gums, bone and cementum that surrounds the roots of the teeth. The periodontium has three basic states: health, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that remains confined specifically to the gums that can be seen clinically from 4-14 days after plaque biofilm builds up in the gingival sulcus. Gingivitis can be acute lasting only for a short duration of time or it can be chronic lasting for several months or even years. The tissue damage that is done during gingivitis is reversible if good oral hygiene is implemented. If untreated, gingivitis has the capability for progressing to a more serious infection of the tissues called periodontitis. Though this is not the case for every individual, the presence of gingivitis should be taken very seriously.
Periodontitis is bacterial infection effecting all parts of the periodontium characterized by migration of the junctional epithelium, loss of connective tissue attachment, and loss of the bone that surrounds the teeth. The most common type of bone loss seen is horizontal. It is usually seen in an even pattern throughout the oral cavity whereas vertical bone loss is seen unevenly. The tissue damage that is seen in periodontitis is irreversible.
Etiology
Periodontal disease starts with an accumulation of well organized bacteria that stick to each other and the tooth surface. If the bacteria is left undisturbed it becomes a complex mature plaque biofilm structure that is colonized with large numbers of periodontal pathogens that destroy the tissues surrounding the teeth.
Local Contributing Factors are conditions in the mouth that increase a persons susceptibility to periodontal infections. These factors do not initiate the disease, but rather contribute to the process that has already been initiated by bacteria biofilm. Factors such as calculus, decay, trauma, faulty restorations, and cigarette smoking are examples of local contributing factors. These factors increase the risk for developing disease by increasing biofilm retention, increasing biofilm pathogenicity, and cause direct damage to the periodontium.
Systemic Contributing Factors are conditions or diseases that increase a persons susceptibility to develop periodontal disease by hindering host response to periodontal pathogens. Systemic factors include genetics, diabetes mellitus, leukemia, AIDS, osteoporosis, hormonal variations, down syndrome, and certain medications.
FAQ:
Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that remains confined specifically to the gums that can be seen clinically from 4-14 days after plaque biofilm builds up in the gingival sulcus. Gingivitis can be acute lasting only for a short duration of time or it can be chronic lasting for several months or even years. The tissue damage that is done during gingivitis is reversible if good oral hygiene is implemented. If untreated, gingivitis has the capability for progressing to a more serious infection of the tissues called periodontitis. Though this is not the case for every individual, the presence of gingivitis should be taken very seriously.
Periodontitis is bacterial infection effecting all parts of the periodontium characterized by migration of the junctional epithelium, loss of connective tissue attachment, and loss of the bone that surrounds the teeth. The most common type of bone loss seen is horizontal. It is usually seen in an even pattern throughout the oral cavity whereas vertical bone loss is seen unevenly. The tissue damage that is seen in periodontitis is irreversible.
Etiology
Periodontal disease starts with an accumulation of well organized bacteria that stick to each other and the tooth surface. If the bacteria is left undisturbed it becomes a complex mature plaque biofilm structure that is colonized with large numbers of periodontal pathogens that destroy the tissues surrounding the teeth.
Local Contributing Factors are conditions in the mouth that increase a persons susceptibility to periodontal infections. These factors do not initiate the disease, but rather contribute to the process that has already been initiated by bacteria biofilm. Factors such as calculus, decay, trauma, faulty restorations, and cigarette smoking are examples of local contributing factors. These factors increase the risk for developing disease by increasing biofilm retention, increasing biofilm pathogenicity, and cause direct damage to the periodontium.
Systemic Contributing Factors are conditions or diseases that increase a persons susceptibility to develop periodontal disease by hindering host response to periodontal pathogens. Systemic factors include genetics, diabetes mellitus, leukemia, AIDS, osteoporosis, hormonal variations, down syndrome, and certain medications.
FAQ:
- I have been diagnosed with periodontits, what now? You should keep to your scheduled SRP appointment. At this appointment, they will clean the root surfaces of your teeth. This is a very critical step in the process of getting your mouth back on track. Once you have SRP you will be placed on a certain re-care visit interval, usually every 3-4 months depending on the recommendation of the dentist and hygienist you are seeing. These scheduled appointments are very important to keep as they are helping to keep you at an inactive state of periodontal disease. You are also going to want to continue a meticulous at home oral hygiene routine. You've already had periodontal disease so you are very susceptible to becoming active again if you do not keep up on your professional and at home care.
- Is periodontal disease contagious? Periodontal disease it's self is not contagious, however, you are able to pass the periodontal bacteria to another person. In order for those pathogens to cause periodontal disease in that individual, they would need to have the correct factors and environment.
- What happens if I do nothing for my periodontal disease? This is not the course of action that is recommended. If you do nothing about your current oral condition, you are at risk for losing your teeth as well as experiencing discomfort and huge lifestyle adjustment.