Treatment Of Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a disease where the affected tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth are inflamed. This takes place slowly with the progressive loss of the alveolar bone of the teeth and leads to the loosening then the loss of teeth especially if left untreated. Periodontitis is cased by bacteria that grow on the tooth’s enamel or surface. It is common in the USA and affects about 30% to 50% of the total population while 10% are considered severe cases.
This disease can be diagnosed by inspecting the soft gum tissues encompassing the teeth with the use of a probe and radiographs through visual inspection as well as analysis that determines the amount of bone loss surrounding the teeth. Specialists dealing with the treatment of periodontitis are known as periodontists.
There are different forms of periodontitis but are mostly caused by bacterial infections. At the same time, there are various risk factors that can affect the severity of this disease. Risk factors include poor diet, poorly controlled diabetes, genetic susceptibility and smoking.
Understand that periodontitis is the inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth in your mouth. These tissues are known as the periodontium. The periodontium is made up of four tissues namely the gingiva or gum tissues, the cementum which is the outer layer of the roots of teeth, the alveolar bone or the socket where the teeth are connected or anchored and periodontal ligaments which are the connective tissue fibers that run in between the alveolar bone and the cementum.
If you ignore the disease and leave this untreated, this would result to progressive and non-reversible bone loss of the teeth, looseness then eventual tooth loss. People who already have existing gingivitis are thought to have periodontitis in the future. The difference between periodontitis and gingivitis is that with gingivitis only the gums are affected and not the alveolar bone. But through the presence of bacteria the infection goes all the way to the alveolar bone hence gingivitis develops into periodontitis.
Succesful periodontal treatment usually begins with regular oral hygiene. This includes the brushing of teeth at least twice a day and flossing as well as using mouthwash. For spaces in between teeth, the use of interdental brush comes highly recommended.
Persons affected with periodontitis must understand that this is a chronic condition that can be altered by establishing an excellent oral hygiene regimen and professional maintenance under the care of a dentist or periodontist.
Initial treatment involves removal of plaque and calculus. To do this, a non-surgical cleaning just below the gumline known as Scaling, together with root planing are performed. Dentists use curettes to remove the plaque and calculus found below the gumline. There are cases where in several sessions are done to completely clean the mouth area.
Although periodontitis can be treated, prevention is still better than treatment. If you have practiced or established some good oral hygiene and regular check ups with the dentist the chances of periodontitis occuring is considerably reduced.
