Recognizing periodontitis – Diagnosis and treatment

Recognizing periodontitis – Expert diagnosis and treatment

Some dental illnesses are quite easily discovered, treated, and cured. Unfortunately, periodontitis is not one of them. Whether a common gum inflammation (also called gingivitis) has developed into a full-blown inflammation of the entire periodontium is often very difficult to ascertain until it is too late. This is why it is that much more important to get an expert diagnosis and treatment by a dentists and, ideally, from a dental care professional who specializes in the field of periodontology!

Index

• What are the causes for periodontitis and gum inflammations?
• How can I tell the difference between periodontitis and gingivitis?
• How exactly does an inflammation of the periodontium look like in case of periodontitis?
• Why you should quickly schedule a dentist appointment in case of periodontitis?
• Scheduling an appointment with periodontitis expert
• Additional interesting topics all around periodontitis

 

What are the causes of periodontitis and gum inflammations?

The cause for both kinds of inflammations (periodontitis and gingivitis) is dental plaque, also called biofilm, which usually forms when bacteria start multiplying in the spaces between a person's teeth and then expands along the patient's gum lines. Periodontitis is the more severe form of gum inflammation and develops out of gingivitis. The progression of the disease depends heavily on the health condition of a persons but is also influenced by other factors: A stressful lifestyle, smoking, genetic predisposition, or other diseases (e.g., diabetes) may also contribute to the formation of gum inflammations because they already put a strain on the body.
 

How can I tell the difference between periodontitis and gingivitis?

Just imagine for a moment that you feel your gums swelling up from time to time, sometimes experience bleeding after brushing your teeth, and, after closer examination, discover that they are reddened in some areas. Maybe you also notice that you have bad breath. All of these could be signs of a gum inflammation, which is also known as gingivitis. However, and only relatively few people know this, once you notice signs of a gum inflammation, the rest of your periodontium may already be affected by a much more severe inflammation called periodontitis. 

A layman will never be able to identify and properly interpret potential warning signs of a gum inflammation which is why it is that much more important to immediately schedule an appointment with a dentist if any doubts arise. With DentalAce you can easily find and book an appointment online with a dentist who specializes in periodontology. 

How exactly does an inflammation of the periodontium look like in case of periodontitis?

In general terms, a periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the periodontium that develops out of a gingivitis. This is why the two conditions are so difficult to tell apart. Yet, a periodontitis causes much more severe damage and affects the entire periodontium, which consists of the gums, dental cement, dental alveole, and periodontal ligament and is embedded in the jaw bone. In cases of a periodontitis, bacteria can attack teeth and even their roots due to the retreating gum line. Thereby, quasi pockets form in between teeth and gums, in which these harmful bacteria multiply and, if left unchecked, even attack the bone. Given such a significant attack on the periodontium, periodontitis may result in loose teeth and inflammations of the tooth root and/or jaw bone. This, ultimately, significantly increases the risk of tooth loss.

Why you should quickly schedule a dentist appointment in case of periodontitis?

Contrary to a gingivitis, which can be stopped relatively easily, a periodontitis is not as easily treated. This is because the damages caused by this condition can not be reversed and its chronic nature can allow it to persist and spread from tooth to tooth over time, if not addressed. Thus, it is that much more important to determine which condition a patient is suffering from as early as possible. 

Scheduling an appointment with a periodontitis expert

Fortunately, there are experts who specialize in the field of periodontology and in the treatment of periodontitis. To quickly get an appointment with one of these experts whenever signs of periodontitis emerge, online booking portals, such as DentalAce, are a great way to save effort and time. The search functionality on the portal allows patients to find skilled dentists in their vicinity so they can get a thorough diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible. Find out more about how DentalAce works right here. You can also take a look right here at a curated list of dental care specialists who focus on the field of periodontology.

Additional interesting topics all around periodontitis

We recommend our extensive article on the topic of gum inflammation, which details the causes of gingivitis as well as ways for preventing and mitigating the disease. And as we have already stated in this article, gingivitis precedes periodontitis, so it is that much more important to learn about how to stop the condition early on before it becomes so severe, that it causes lasting damage.

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