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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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Periodontal diseases are infectious diseases that may affect localized sites around natural teeth and/or dental implants. The main reason for periodontal diseases to form is bacterial plaque. Gingivitis, a commonly seen form of periodontal diseases, affects gingival margin and causes persistent swollen, red, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to the more serious form of periodontal disease in susceptible individuals, known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis presents itself with clinical signs of inflammation together with radiographic evidence of bone loss around teeth and/or dental implants. Susceptibility to periodontal tissue breakdown is related to an individual's immune response against specific bacterial pathogens. Current studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between susceptibility to severe forms of periodontal disease and genetic factors affecting host immune response. Also, association has been reported between systemic diseases such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, pre-term birth, and severe forms of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is very common within any given population, which severe forms of periodontitis affect 30-50% of the population in general. gingivitis and mild forms of periodontitis can be treated by a general dentist. However, patients with moderate to severe forms of periodontal diseases should be referred to a specialist known as a periodontist. Periodontists examine a patient's supporting tissues around his/her teeth and/or implants to determine the type of periodontal disease and investigate possible causes.
Treatment for early stages of gingival disease involves removing plaque and calculus in the pockets around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. Surgery is necessary for more advanced cases. Currently regeneration techniques are available to rebuild the lost supporting tissue around natural teeth and/or implants and recorrect some esthetic problems related to severe bone loss.
Prompt periodontal treatment - along with good dental/oral practices at home - can help most people keep their teeth for a lifetime, and it will have a positive effect on their systemic health.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Nov 09, 2007
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Binnaz Leblebicioglu, DDS, MS, PhD Assistant Professor Section of Periodontology College of Dentistry The Ohio State University |
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Joseph R. O'Neil, DDS Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry Section of Primary Care College of Dentistry The Ohio State University |
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