Periodontal Disease
Periodontics is the special field of dentistry that focuses on the study, preventative treatment, and surgery on the structures in the oral cavity that support the teeth. These structures are, of course, the gums, and are a very vital part of the oral cavity and must be cared for according. There are a variety of periodontal dental services, which are offered by periodontal specialists and help with a variety of issues that can happen to the gums. The word actually means the study of that which is around the tooth. There are many ailments associated with the gums, especially some more common ones including gingivitis and periodontitis.
The most common service for a periodontal dentist to perform is treatment of gingivitis. Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are harmful infections that, if left untreated, can lead to rotting of teeth or the loss of the teeth. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease can affect one individual tooth, or all of the teeth in the mouth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed and infected and can cause significant soreness and pain.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Patients may notice they suffer from gingivitis if they are experiencing soreness of the gums, or excessive bleeding during the brushing of teeth. This beginning stage of gingivitis is usually only marked by subtle or dull pain. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis can be treated by better at home health care or by seeking the helps of a dentist.
Periodontitis
Over time, gums that are continually bothered by the bacterial infections of gingivitis grow progressively more infected and inflamed. This happens because a bacterium gets deep into the gum line and toxins are released that infects and irritates the teeth and gums. Eventually, the gums get so infected that they begin to separate from the teeth, leaving pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets, of course, only become more and more infected as bacteria sits in them and rots.
There are many forms of periodontitis. The following is a list of the more common forms of periodontitis.
Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and significant inflammation.
Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation inside of the gums, which leads to further separation from the teeth. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and sometimes recession of the gum line. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. This disease usually progresses slowly in adults, but can actually occur very rapidly in short time.
Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with conditions like HIV and can be extremely detrimental to the health of patients who suffer from it.
