Periodontal Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Understanding the onset of periodontal disease, its symptoms, and treatment options. What can be done to prevent tooth loss?

What is Periodontitis, and What is Periodontosis?

Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, begins with the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth. If not properly treated, it can lead to the destruction of the tissues surrounding the teeth, ultimately causing tooth loss. Initially attacking the external surface of the gum line, gum disease starts as gingivitis. Commonly referred to as periodontosis in everyday language, the correct medical term is periodontitis.

Periodontosis can develop as a consequence of chronic gingivitis, leading to bone recession around the teeth. Symptoms include tooth displacement and potential tooth loss.

Common Types of Gum Diseases

The most prevalent forms of gum diseases include:

• Gingivitis,

• Gum recession (gingival recession),

• Periodontitis (gum disease).

Bacterial infections are more likely if there is damage to the gums, leading to pus-filled gingival cysts in the oral cavity.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, where the gums may become red, swollen, and may bleed during brushing.

As the infection progresses to early periodontitis, the gums start detaching from the teeth, intensifying previous symptoms.

Further progression exposes the roots and can lead to root caries.

Severe periodontal disease can damage the bone beneath the gums.

Bone degradation can be observed even in mild cases by measuring the depth of the pockets between the gums and the teeth. These pockets are formed by plaque and saliva-borne bacteria, leading to inflammation, tooth mobility, and eventually tooth loss.

Treatment for Gum Disease

While periodontal disease is irreversible, it is possible to halt bone loss and inflammation.

The treatment usually begins with ultrasonic scaling above and below the gum line. Subgingival curettage involves removing inflamed tissue, the pocket wall, and infected root cement. For inaccessible pockets, open curettage smooths the root surfaces. Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia, ensuring pain-free treatment for patients.

In cases of extensive decay, crown lengthening might be necessary to safely restore the tooth.

Stabilizing loosened teeth can be achieved by splinting existing teeth together, securing the mobile teeth.

Preventing Gum Disease

Poor oral hygiene significantly contributes to oral diseases; however, many of them can be prevented with thorough dental care. Biannual scaling and regular dental check-ups are crucial to prevent pathological changes.

Fehérvári Dental: Professional Dental Care in the Heart of Budapest

Since 1997, our goal has been to provide your family with the highest standard of comprehensive dental care, from the youngest to the oldest members. Our specialists cover all areas of dentistry, allowing us to handle complex, multi-dentist treatments in-house. Our team's professional and coordinated operation is evident throughout the entire care process—from specialist consultations to administrative tasks.

Our dental facility is designed and equipped to the highest standards. Our three-story clinic houses three modern treatment rooms and a diagnostic imaging area (panoramic and intraoral radiography, teleradiography, CBCT), connected by a spacious elevator, accommodating those with limited mobility and families with strollers.

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