What Is
Pyorrhea?
Periodontitis
also called Pyorrhea is a term used to describe a group of conditions that
involves inflammation of the gums and other structures that support the teeth.
Periodontitis is caused by bacteria found in dental plaque and often, but not
always, starts as gingivitis.
In
trying to eliminate the bacterial infection, your body produces substances that
destroy the structures that hold the teeth in the jaw, including the
periodontal ligament and underlying bone. As this process continues, the teeth
become loose. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, allowing more bacteria
to accumulate. If left untreated,
periodontitis can result in tooth loss. Periodontitis usually is relatively
painless. The onset of significant pain may signal the development of an
abscess. Older adults are more likely to have periodontitis. People who smoke
are four to seven times more likely than nonsmokers to get periodontitis. Smoking may impair the body's defense against
bacteria.
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| Stages of Periodontitis |
Symptoms
of Pyorrhea
♦
Bleeding gums during tooth brushing, sometimes spontaneous
♦ Red,
swollen or tender gums
♦ Receding
gums
♦ Loose
and separating Teeth
♦ Bad
breath
♦ Pus
between the teeth and gums
♦ An
unpleasant taste in the mouth
However,
many people are unaware of these symptoms or do not believe they are signs of a
serious problem. It is not neccesory that
above listed all symptoms present in periodontitis. Most of the times one to two symptoms only
present.
Diagnosis
♦ It is necessary
to examine your mouth, paying special attention to your gums and teeth.
♦ We may
test for loose teeth. Teeth have a normal range of mobility, but in people with
periodontitis, the teeth are looser due to the destruction of the fibers and
bone supporting the teeth.
♦ We may
also make X-rays to help diagnose periodontitis. These can be compared with
older X-rays to see if changes have occurred in your teeth and gums.
Expected
Duration
Unlike
gingivitis, periodontitis cannot be completely reversed. In some situations,
the supporting fibers and bone that have been lost can be regenerated. In most
cases, however, particularly in advanced stages of the disease, the effects are
permanent. However, treatment and improved oral hygiene at any stage can
improve the health of your gums and prevent further destruction.
Prevention
Daily
brushing and flossing (morning and night) with proper brushing technique and
regular visits for professional cleaning can help prevent periodontitis or
allow you to have it treated during its earliest stages. If you smoke, quitting
will reduce your risk significantly.
Treatment
Treatment
depends on how severe your periodontitis is. Dentists classify the disease as
mild, moderate or severe.
Mild
periodontitis is usually treated first with a thorough cleaning called scalingand root planning. Scaling removes plaque or calculus that has accumulated on
the crowns of your teeth (the parts that show) and slightly below the gum line.
Root planning has two purposes: 1) to remove plaque or calculus from the roots
of your teeth and 2) to smooth the roots of the teeth, making it more difficult
for bacteria to cling to them. This, combined with good oral hygiene at home,
often is enough for successful treatment.
Moderate
periodontitis may require more than scaling and root planning. Typically, we
will do scaling and root-planning your teeth. If this does not take care of the
problem, we may decide that you need surgical treatment. Surgery can involve
reshaping the gums to fit the teeth (resective surgeries) or encouraging lost
bone to regrow (regenerative surgeries). Your dentist will decide whether you
will need surgery and what type you need.
Severe
periodontitis likely will require surgical intervention and, in some instances,
antibiotics. At this stage of disease, tooth loss is a distinct possibility.
No
matter which treatment you undergo, you should start a strict regimen of
brushing and flossing to help restore your teeth to health.
When to
visit dentist
The
best course of action is to get regular dental checkups. If you have persistent
bleeding or swelling of your gums or notice loose teeth, meet your dentist.
Prognosis
of Periodontitis
The
outlook is good if the disease is recognized early and treated aggressively.
Once bone loss occurs, the prognosis depends on the severity of the loss.
Quitting smoking is very important for periodontal therapy to be successful.
Lifelong maintenance will be required once the disease is controlled.
Please click on below picture to see Treatment of Gum Disease - Pyorrhea cases done at Dr. Bharat Katarmal Dental Clinic Jamnagar.
