Any periodontal disease can take control of your daily life with rapid progression. Periodontal disease is categorized as the condition where there’s infection and inflammation of the gums, causing the bone structure around the attachment to be damaged over time. If left untreated, periodontal diseases can cause teeth to become loose or result in a complete loss as there’s no bone structure left within the gum line to support the attachment.
There are six types of periodontal diseases, each with its set of discomforts and degree of procedures to treat them. Let’s take a look:
1) Gingivitis
Usually, healthy gums are pink and firm. However, if your gums are swollen, red, inflamed, sore or bleed easily, you might have gingivitis. It is the mildest of the periodontal diseases where the gums become swollen and inflamed. It may or may not come with discomfort or pain, and many factors could give rise to it, such as diabetes, improper use of brushing, aging, stress, genetics and hormones. Gingivitis is reversible and thus, if you have a similar condition, reach out to a professional now.
2) Periodontitis
Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is an advanced stage of the disease where the problem has mushroomed under the gum line. It affects the structure holding the teeth and, if left untreated, can cause jawbone atrophy and tooth loss. During periodontitis, a patient develops pockets below the gum line between the gum and the teeth, which are infected. It continues to progress rapidly until there’s no firm support to hold the tooth anymore.
3) Aggressive Periodontitis
With aggressive periodontitis, gingival tissue and ligament destruction continue, thereby damaging the tooth’s bone structure at an advanced pace. The progression is comparatively faster than chronic periodontitis at this stage. Surgical intervention might be needed for the treatment.
4) Chronic Periodontitis
In chronic periodontitis, the patient still has rapidly progressing inflammation of the gingival tissue leading to bone loss. It results in gum recession that can create an illusion of growing teeth. However, the gum line is receding due to chronic periodontitis. A dentist can assist in halting the destruction with scaling, root planing and antimicrobial treatments. Chronic periodontitis progresses at a comparatively slower pace than aggressive periodontitis.
5) Systemic Periodontitis
In this condition, a patient could face chronic or aggressive periodontitis due to an ongoing medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease. It could be a symptom of conditions where the root cause must be diagnosed to completely halt the progression of the damage to the gingival tissues. Treatments for chronic and aggressive periodontitis are used in systemic periodontitis as well.
6) Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
Necrotizing periodontal disease is characterized by the rapid necrosis of the tissues, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. It could result from malnutrition, immunosuppression and HIV infection, among others. Here, dentists can recommend scaling, antibiotic pills, root planing, medicated mouthwash and fungicidal medicines as viable treatments. Note that necrotizing periodontal disease is a rare condition due to its associated factors.
Any instance of discomfort, redness, sore or inflamed gums could be a precursor to any periodontal disease. If you are struggling with it or can relate to any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is high time to contact Home of Smiles Dental Clinic, which offers 360° periodontal care and treatments, along with dentures, crowns, implants, restorative care, root canal therapy and countless other services. Reach out for direct insurance billing, same-day appointments and fee guide.