Periodontitis, as well as pyorrhea, are two periodontal diseases that mostly affect the supporting structure of a tooth.
They are very similar to each other, however, periodontitis has gingivitis as its main symptom, that is, continuous inflammation of the gums.

This disease manifests itself with the retreat of the gums, bone destruction, and exposure of the root of the affected tooth or teeth. The affected teeth can move but with the right care they stabilize.

It is a very common disease that evolves very quickly with very evident symptoms where usually the patient’s hygiene is poor. It manifests itself with pain, gum bleeding and the presence of edema.
For its treatment, treatments are carried out to relieve the symptoms and recover as soon as possible.

Among the most important consequences of these diseases we report:

Resorption of bone
This phenomenon occurs as a consequence of the disease itself where the bacteria and their virulence seem to cause a slow and progressive destruction of the alveolar bone and the supporting bone of the affected teeth.

Gum recessions
Together with the destruction of the bone clinically, there is also a retreat of the gums called gingival recessions. The level of the gums faithfully follows the patient’s bone level. It can happen that the level of the gums changes from tooth to tooth depending on the bone destruction that has occurred.

Root exposure
When bone resorption and recession of the gums has occurred, the patient often complains that his teeth seem longer and also more sensitive to different thermal stimuli. In periodontitis the roots are exposed at the level of the periodontal pockets.

Dental mobility
With the progressive bone destruction and the loss of the tooth support apparatus, the mobility of the affected element or elements is highlighted. In the case of periodontitis, this mobility can stabilize.

Halitosis
Bad smell is one of the main symptoms for both diseases. This symptomatology can cause greater discomfort in patients but can disappear by treating the inflammation.

The method of treatment changes according to the stage of the disease with which the patient presents. In the case of periodontal disease, it is easily cured by intervening in time and trying to keep the disease under control.
The measures concerning the treatment and slowing of the evolution of periodontitis are:
Curettage – deep cleaning of the roots of the teeth;
Root curettage is a therapeutic process carried out with special tools and its purpose is to remove the subgingival tartar attached to the root. This is to make the surface as smooth as possible so that bacteria do not stick to it slowing down bone resorption.
Flap surgery – correction and restoration of periodontal pockets with artificial bone;
Open sanding is a surgical procedure that includes the opening of a flap and the removal of subgingival tartar in deep periodontal pockets. Artificial bone is then added in the areas where it is considered necessary to cover the bone defects of the disease itself.
Plasmolifting;
The use of plasma in the dental field has been an innovation in important surgical procedures. The plasma is taken with a blood sample from the patient and then put into a centrifuge. From there the plasma to be used for surgery is obtained. The plasma itself is used to try to regenerate the gum cells.
Antibiotic cure
This disease is caused and sustained by an important bacterial load. As with all infections, antibiotics present a first line of defense.

(It is important to emphasize that the effect of antibiotic treatment is slower in the case of smoking patients than on non-smokers. Its effect is slower in the case of periodontitis)

To try to reduce the consequences of periodontitis we find:

Tooth splinting
One of the most effective methods to contain the dental mobility that has occurred is that of splinting the affected teeth. The practice consists in using a metal wire from the inside of the teeth which holds them together making them work as a group. This floss remains in place for 6-8 months after which the stability of the affected teeth is evaluated again.

Dental crowns and bridges on the teeth
Another solution to reduce the consequence of periodontitis would be to cover the teeth affected by the disease with fixed crowns or bridges, thus improving the aesthetic as well as the functional aspect.

Gingivoplasty
Gingivoplasty consists in taking a sample of the patient’s own gum and covering the irregular gingival defect left as a consequence of the periodontitis itself.