Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the bones that surround and support the teeth. It is the next stage of untreated gingivitis. However not every case of gingivitis will result in periodontitis, nor every case of periodontitis begins as gingivitis.
Periodontitis affects not only soft tissues (the gums), but also hard tissues (the bones) surrounding the teeth. Bone loss caused by periodontitis is not reversible and if not treated properly and immediately, results in tooth loss due to loss of support. In fact, it is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
Patients usually become aware of periodontitis at its late stages, fortunately though, it can be easily diagnosed during routine dental examinations by the dentist.
Symptoms:
Causes:
Treatment:
The first stage includes radiographic and clinical examination, as well as recording of bone loss and other factors such as bleeding on a periodontal table. Each treatment takes into consideration the specifics of each different case, and usually includes the cleaning of the areas affected, at a first stage through ultrasounds, then at a deeper level, using specialized tools and lasers to remove dental calculus and inflammed tissue from the periodontal pockets. Treatment lasts from two to four sessions, after which the patient enters a program of re-examinations every three, six, and twelve months, to preserve its results.
