Periodontal disease is a serious and progressive disease which affects the tissue and bone supporting the teeth.  When left untreated, this disease can advance to the point of causing loose teeth or even tooth loss.  Also referred to as periodontitis and gum disease, periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults in the developed world and is a serious condition which should be treated promptly and thoroughly.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria found in plaque.  As plaque builds up on the teeth, the bacteria attacks the gums, causing an infection and penetrating deeper and deeper into the gum tissue as time goes on.  This causes the gums to become inflamed and irritated.  When such a bacterial infection takes hold, it is the natural response of the body to destroy the infected tissue.  This causes pockets to form between the teeth and, if the disease is left to progress without treatment, can even cause the jawbone to recede, resulting in loose and unstable teeth.

Types of Periodontal Disease

There are a number of different types of periodontal disease, all of which require treatment from a periodontist to stop the progression of the disease and to protect the gum tissue and bone.  The most common types of periodontal disease include:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage and mildest form of periodontal disease.  Gingivitis affects only the gum tissue and is easily reversible with a good home care routine and professional cleaning.  In some cases, scaling and root planing may be performed in order to remove debris from gum pockets.  Other treatment methods include the use of antibiotics and medicated mouthwashes which will help eradicate any remaining bacteria while promoting the healing of the gum tissue. 

Those who are at a higher risk of developing gingivitis include pregnant women, women taking birth control pills, diabetics, people who use steroids and people who take medication to control seizures and blood pressure.

Chronic Periodontal Disease

Chronic periodontal disease is more advanced and more serious than gingivitis but it is also the most common form of the disease.  More frequently experienced by people over the age of 45, chronic periodontal disease involves inflammation below the gum line and causes deterioration of the gingival tissue and bone.

Since supporting tissue and structures cannot be rebuilt, chronic periodontal disease cannot be reversed.  However, the disease can be prevented from progressing further through the use of scaling and root planing procedures together with antimicrobial and laser treatments.

Aggressive Periodontal Disease

Aggressive periodontal disease involves the rapid loss of attachment as well as the rapid loss of bone tissue.  While the disease is basically the same as chronic periodontal disease, aggressive periodontal disease progresses at a much faster rate.  Treatment methods are the same as for chronic periodontal disease but patients suffering from the aggressive form of the disease are more likely to need surgical intervention.

People who are at a higher risk of developing aggressive periodontal disease include smokers and those who have a family history of periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease Relating to Systemic Conditions

This type of periodontal disease can begin at a young age and is a symptom of an underlying condition such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or certain forms of cancer.  To treat this type of periodontal disease, the underlying condition must first be controlled.  Then a dentist will stop the disease from advancing by using the same treatment methods used to control chronic and aggressive periodontal disease.

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease

Necrotizing periodontal disease is characterized by necrosis (tissue death) of gingival tissue, the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.  This form of periodontal disease is very rare and is typically associated with other serious medical conditions such as HIV, malnutrition and chronic stress.  Smoking can also lead to necrotizing periodontal disease. 

When this form of the disease occurs, the patient's dentist will likely consult with a physician before beginning to treat the disease.  Common forms of treatment for necrotizing periodontal disease include scaling and root planing, laser periodontal therapy, antibiotic therapy and medicated mouthwashes.

Contact us for a professional periodontal evaluation. (310) 481-0111