What is periodontitis?
There are many people who confuse periodontitis with gingivitis. Even when the dentist identifies the difference, people do not imagine that the simple bleeding of the gums at the beginning-that is reminiscent of the familiar, gingivitis can lead to gradual loss of all their teeth! Periodontitis is an inflammation that develops in the tissues that support the teeth meaning, the gums and the bone. At its initial stage it is similar with gum disease, but when the inflammation progresses in the jaw bone, the body, trying to protect the teeth, destroys them. With this procedure, the teeth gradually lose their support, they begin to move and if you do not intervene directly, they will fall. The cause of periodontitis are different microbes that live in our mouths.
Factors contributing to periodontitis:
• SMOKING
Considered one of the most important factors.
• The DIABETES MELLITUS
When not checked.
• THE STRESS
It reduces the body’s defenses and makes it more vulnerable to infections.
• NUTRITION
When a person does not eat properly the resistance of the organism drops.
• THE TEETH GRINDING
It creates intense pressure on the bone causing periodontal tissue relaxation.
•ORTHODONTIC DISFORMALITIES.
Problematic tooth structure facilitates food impaction resulting in poor oral hygiene.
•HORMONAL PROBLEMS
In women during adolescence and pregnancy.
• GENETIC PREDISPOSITION
Approximately 30% of the population is genetically susceptible to periodontitis.
• VARIOUS DRUGS
Contraceptives, hypertension, Anticonvulsants, cause swelling of the gums.
The stages of treatment
The first phase of treatment is called conservative and includes the so-called subgingival (or radical) curettage. It is a process reminiscent of the classical cleansing but is deeper, more specialized and is done partially and always using local anesthesia. It usually takes 4-5 visits to complete this phase. The aim of conservative periodontal therapy is the removal of bacteria from the roots of teeth, fighting inflammation and eliminating pockets that retain germs causing recurrence of periodontitis. In some cases, inside the pockets special antibiotic formulations of slow release are placed which help fight pathogenic microorganisms. In 1-2 months after curettage the effect of treatment is assessed and at this point it is decided whether to proceed to the second phase of treatment (surgery). In most cases, however, conservative treatment is sufficient. If, however, surgical treatment is required it involves some subtle interventions that aim to either the surgical elimination of very deep pockets or to the regeneration of lost bone by placing bone grafts or guided tissue regeneration membranes. Bone regeneration is the ideal treatment, and restores fully the damage caused by periodontitis, but it is only possible in a few cases.
