Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious dental disease that affects the gums and can have serious consequences for oral health if not treated properly. In this article, we’ll explore in detail what periodontitis is, its causes and symptoms, as well as the treatments available to address this condition and protect the health of your gums and teeth.

What is periodontitis?

It is an inflammatory gum disease that affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It develops from gingivitis, an initial condition that causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums due to the buildup of bacterial plaque. If gingivitis is not treated with good dentists in Malaga, such as Gross Dentists, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads beyond the gums and affects the bone tissue that holds the teeth in place.

Causes and Symptoms of Periodontitis

Periodontitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums, as well as genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and systemic diseases. Some of the most common symptoms of periodontitis include:

–        Swollen and red gums: Gums infected by periodontitis tend to be swollen, tender to the touch, and may have a deep red color instead of the healthy pink.

–        Bleeding gums: Bleeding when brushing or flossing is a common symptom of periodontal disease and is often one of the first warning signs.

–        Receding gums: As the disease progresses, the gums can pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots and creating periodontal pockets, which are spaces between the teeth and gums where bacteria accumulate.

–        Persistent bad breath: The bacteria that cause periodontitis can generate foul-smelling gas, resulting in unpleasant breath that can persist despite good oral hygiene.

–        Tooth mobility: As the disease progresses, the loss of bone tissue can cause teeth to become loose or mobile, which can eventually result in tooth loss.

Treatments for periodontitis

Treatment of periodontitis typically involves a combination of nonsurgical therapies and surgical procedures to remove the infection, clean periodontal pockets, and restore healthy gums and bone tissue. Some of the most common treatments include:

– Scaling and root planing: This procedure, also known as curettage and root planing, involves the removal of bacterial plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of the teeth and periodontal pockets to promote gum healing.

– Crown lengthening: it is a procedure that exposes more of the upper part of the tooth to improve aesthetics, facilitate the placement of dental restorations, and avoid periodontal problems.

– Crown graft: treats gum recession, covering the exposed root of the tooth to prevent sensitivity and improve appearance.

– Periodontal surgery: In more advanced cases of periodontitis, periodontics may be necessary, which is surgery to remove infected tissue, clean periodontal pockets, and restore damaged bone structure.

– Additional treatments: In addition to periodontal procedures, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene at home and receive regular dental cleanings to prevent recurrence of the disease.

Periodontitis is a serious dental disease that requires professional treatment to prevent tooth loss and protect long-term oral health. If you experience symptoms of periodontitis, such as swollen gums, bleeding, or bad breath, it is important that you contact and make an appointment at our clinic as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. With a comprehensive approach that includes removing plaque, cleaning periodontal pockets, and restoring bone tissue, you can keep your gums and teeth healthy and functional throughout your life.