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Conditions

Dentistry · Oral health

Periodontitis

Understand a chronic disease that progressively destroys attachment and bone around teeth.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the response to plaque destroys tissues and bone supporting the teeth.

Possible symptoms

Bleeding, recession, bad breath, new gaps, mobility or pain when chewing can occur, although disease may progress without pain.

Causes and associated factors

Plaque initiates disease; tobacco, poorly controlled diabetes, individual susceptibility and inadequate hygiene raise risk or severity.

Diagnosis

Assessment measures pockets, bleeding, attachment loss, mobility and bone loss, then assigns stage and progression risk.

Tests

Full-mouth probing and X-rays are central; microbiological tests are not routine for everyone.

Course of the condition

Attachment loss is irreversible, but treatment and regular supportive care can stabilise disease and preserve teeth.

Care options

Plaque and risk-factor control, scaling and root planing, maintenance and sometimes surgery or regeneration are tailored to stage.

When to consult

Seek care for persistent bleeding, recession, loose teeth, a changed bite or before implants and complex rehabilitation.

Urgent help

Acute swelling, pus, fever, increasing pain, a suddenly very loose tooth or difficulty swallowing needs prompt assessment.

Questions for your doctor

  • What exact diagnosis explains my symptoms?
  • Are the tooth, gum, bone or jaw joint affected?
  • Which options can preserve natural tissues?
  • Which benefits, limits, risks and costs should I compare?
  • What follow-up and warning signs should I plan for?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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