Periodontitis: causes, symptoms and modern methods of treatment

The condition of the gums directly affects the overall health of the body through its close relationship with the circulatory system. When the gums suffer, the whole body suffers. That is why it is important not to ignore the signs of periodontitis, a disease that often develops slowly and almost imperceptibly, but eventually leads to serious and irreversible changes in periodontal tissues.

Symmetrica experts explain how to recognize the first manifestations of the disease in a timely manner, why it occurs and what modern treatments help to stop its development and maintain the health of the gums and teeth.

Important:in everyday use, patients often use the term “periodontal disease”.
In modern dentistry and international medical classifications, the correct and official term is “periodontitis”, since it is he who describes the inflammatory process in the tissues of the periodontal. This material uses the correct medical name - periodontitis.

What is periodontitis

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of periodontal tissues, accompanied by progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The disease is caused by specific periodontal pathogenic microflora in dental plaque and is characterized by the formation of periodontal pockets, bone resorption and gum recession.

In periodontitis, the destruction of the gingival attachment occurs due to the inflammatory process, which leads to the formation of pathological pockets between the tooth and the gum. Bacteria, tartar and inflammation products accumulate in such pockets, which supports the progression of the disease. If the disease is not treated, there is a complete loss of the supporting apparatus of the tooth, its loosening and falling out.

The main symptoms of periodontitis: how to recognize the disease at an early stage

Periodontitis develops gradually, starting with gingivitis — inflammation of the gums. In the initial stages, the patient may observe the following symptoms:

Early stage (gingivitis):

• Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth is the very first and most important symptom
• Redness and swelling of the gums — gums become bright red or bluish
• Bad breath
• Discomfort when chewing

Developed periodontitis:

• Formation of periodontal pockets — detachment of the gum from the tooth with the formation of deep pockets
• Gum suppuration — discharge of pus when pressing on the gums
• Tooth mobility — the degree depends on the loss of bone tissue
• Exposure of tooth roots due to gum recession and bone resorption
• Increased sensitivity of teeth to temperature stimuli
• Displacement and fan-shaped divergence of teeth
• Difficulty chewing due to pain and tooth mobility

Causes of periodontitis:

Periodontopogenic microflora — specific bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, etc.) that form biofilm and cause chronic inflammation

Local risk factors:

Inadequate oral hygiene — accumulation of soft and hard plaque

Traumatic occlusion — incorrect bite, premature tooth contact

Overhanging edges of seals and crowns — create conditions for accumulation of plaque

Congestion of teeth — makes hygiene difficult

Tartar — subgingival and epigastric

Common risk factors:

Diabetes — disrupts immune response and tissue healing

Tobacco smoking — reduces local immunity and impairs blood supply

Genetic predisposition — up to 30% of cases are hereditary

Immunodeficiency states — HIV, taking immunosuppressants

Hormonal changes — pregnancy, puberty, menopause

Stress reduces the immune response

Systemic diseases — rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis

Methods of treatment of periodontitis: modern approaches Symmetrica

In the center of dental restoration Symmetrica, periodontitis treatment is carried out according to modern clinical protocols, taking into account the degree of periodontal tissue damage. Periodontistselects an individual scheme of therapy - from conservative to surgical methods - in order to stop the inflammatory process, stabilize the condition of the gums and preserve the health of the teeth.

Conservative therapy

In the early stages of periodontitis, effective treatment is possible without surgery. The main goal is to eliminate the factors that support inflammation and activate the natural processes of tissue repair:

• Professional biofilm removal
• Hygiene professional hygiene — removal of all soft and hard deposits
• Carrying out the SRP procedure (subgingival root cleaning and polishing) according to the protocol.
• Elimination of retention points — correction of overhanging edges of restorations
• Surface polishing — creating smooth surfaces to reduce plaque adhesion
• Improving home care for teeth and gums;
• Supportive periodontal therapy (it is possible to make changes here)
• Plasmolifting of the gums — stimulation of regeneration of damaged tissues by the patient's own plasma;
• Hyaluronic acid injections — improve tissue nutrition, reduce inflammation and bleeding.

Surgical treatment

In case of insufficient effectiveness of conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgical methods include open curettage, flap operations, directed tissue regeneration techniques using membranes and bone materials, as well as resective interventions with bone and gum contour correction.

Such treatment is carried out under local anesthesia, makes it possible to eliminate deep periodontal pockets, create conditions for tissue healing and stabilization of the periodontal condition.

At Symmetrica, the treatment of periodontitis is not only the elimination of symptoms, but a comprehensive restoration of periodontal health using modern technologies and safe clinical techniques.

Prevention of periodontitis: how to maintain gum health and prevent disease

To reduce the risk of periodontitis and prevent its progression, it is recommended:

• Thorough daily hygiene — brushing your teeth 2 times a day, supplementing home care with interdental brushes, irrigator and rinse;
• Professional hygiene — at least 2 times a year
• Elimination of risk factors — smoking cessation, diabetes control
• Timely treatment of gingivitis — prevent the transition to periodontitis
• Bite correction — elimination of traumatic occlusion
• Replacement of poor quality restorations — removal of overhanging edges
• Regular observation by a periodontist, who will select an individual prevention plan.

At Symmetrica, we help not only treat teeth and gums, but also prevent periodontal disease. At Symmetrica, we use an integrated approach to Periodontitis treatmentcombining modern technologies with individual therapy planning. Remember: early detection and treatment of periodontitis allows you to preserve your teeth and avoid serious complications.

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