Periodontitis Specialists in Maharashtra
Periodontitis is a serious, chronic gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, if untreated, destroys the bone that supports the teeth, making it the more …
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What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a serious, chronic gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, if untreated, destroys the bone that supports the teeth, making it the more advanced and destructive successor to untreated gingivitis. As bacterial plaque hardens into tartar below the gumline, the body's inflammatory response gradually breaks down the periodontal ligament and bone, causing gums to pull away from teeth and form deep pockets that harbor more bacteria. This progressive attachment loss can eventually lead to loose teeth and tooth loss if not controlled. Periodontitis has also been linked to systemic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and poorly controlled diabetes.
Moderate
Common — affects an estimated 30-40% of adults in some form, with severe cases more common after age 65
No
Causes of Periodontitis
Periodontitis develops when plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline and trigger a chronic inflammatory response that gradually destroys the connective tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Major risk factors include smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, genetic susceptibility, hormonal changes, certain medications that reduce saliva, and poor oral hygiene over an extended period. Stress and nutritional deficiencies can further impair the body's ability to fight the underlying infection.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
swollen or receding gums, persistent bad breath or bad taste, gums that bleed easily, loose or shifting teeth, pain while chewing, formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums, pus between teeth and gums, changes in the way teeth fit together when biting
Treatment & Types of Periodontitis in Maharashtra
Non-surgical deep cleaning procedures, known as scaling and root planing, remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth root surfaces to help gums reattach. Antibiotics, either topical or oral, may be used alongside cleaning to control infection in more advanced pockets. For severe cases with significant bone loss, surgical treatments such as flap surgery, bone grafting, or guided tissue regeneration are used to restore lost support, alongside a strict long-term maintenance program of professional cleanings.
Periodontitis is staged from mild to severe based on the degree of attachment loss and bone destruction around the teeth, and further graded by rate of progression as slow, moderate, or rapid. A related but earlier condition, gingivitis, involves gum inflammation without bone loss and is fully reversible, distinguishing it from periodontitis where damage to the supporting bone has already begun.
Dentistry Specialists in Maharashtra (0)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is periodontitis the same as gingivitis?
No, gingivitis is the earlier, reversible stage involving gum inflammation without bone loss, while periodontitis is the more advanced stage where the supporting bone and connective tissue have already begun to be destroyed.
Can lost bone from periodontitis grow back?
Generally, bone lost to periodontitis does not regenerate on its own, though surgical treatments like bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration can help restore some lost support in appropriate cases.
How is periodontitis linked to diabetes and heart disease?
The chronic inflammation involved in periodontitis has been linked to worsened blood sugar control in diabetes and is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, making gum health relevant to overall systemic health.
What does scaling and root planing involve?
It's a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to help the gums reattach to the tooth, typically the first line of treatment.
Can periodontitis cause tooth loss?
Yes, if untreated, the progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and supporting bone can eventually cause teeth to become loose and be lost, making early treatment and good oral hygiene important for prevention.