|
|
|
|
Types of Periodontal Disease
The most common forms of periodontal disease include the following.
|
|
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest and least destructive form of the periodontal
diseases. It causes the gingiva (gums) to become red, swollen
and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis
is usually a result of inadequate oral hygiene and is reversible
with professional treatment and good home care.
|
"The tissues are inflamed and bleed easily, but no bone or attachment loss has occurred." |
Aggressive Periodontitis
Formerly called Juvenile Periodontitis and Rapidly Progressive
Periodontitis in Young Adults, aggressive periodontitis is a form
of periodontitis that occurs in younger patients who are otherwise
clinically healthy. It's features include rapid loss of the attachment
between the root and surrounding tissues and destruction of the
supporting bone. This form of periodontitis appears to be associated
with a genetic predisposition, i.e. family history.
|
|
Chronic Periodontitis
Chronic periodontitis is the most commonly occurring form of
periodontitis. It is more slowly progressing than aggressive
periodontitis. Once established, it causes inflammation within
the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment
and bone loss, and either pocket formation or recession of the
gingiva. It is usually diagnosed in older adults, but can occur
at any age. While attachment loss and bone loss usually occurs
slowly, periods of rapid progression and abscess formation can
occur.
"Early Periodontitis: Slight
loss of bone and soft tissue attachment to the root leads to a small increase in probing (pocket)
depth."
|
"Moderate
Periodontitis: progressive bone and attachment loss has led to deeper pockets, loss of bone
support and tooth mobility. Recession which exposes the root may or may not be present."
|
"Advanced
Periodontitis: Severe bone and attachment loss has led to deep pockets, increased mobility and
recession usually exposes part of the root surface."
|
|
Periodontitis as a Manifestation
of Systemic Diseases
Periodontitis, while not caused by systemic diseases, may be exacerbated
by systemic diseases that effect the immune system such as diabetes
and AIDS. Evidence is also mounting that periodontitis may contribute
to the pathogenesis of other health problems such as heart disease,
diabetes, and low birth weight babies.
|
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
An acute infection of the gingival tissues, periodontal ligament
and alveolar bone, called Necrotizing Periodontitis, is characterized
by necrosis of the infected tissue which is associated with pain,
foul odor, and rapid tissue destruction. This disease is most
commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such
as AIDS (HIV infection), malnutrition and immunosuppression.
|
|
