Periodontitis: The silent threat to your oral health

Don't let the inflammation progress

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the tissues that support your teeth. Silent at first, it can progress without you noticing, causing irreversible damage. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and how to prevent its impact on your oral health.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a multifactorial infectious disease that results in a chronic inflammatory process located in the tissues that support the teeth. It is characterized by progressive loss of clinical attachment and radiographic bone loss.


It is primarily associated with dysbiosis of the dental biofilm (bacterial plaque or dental tartar) and is characterized by the destruction of dental supporting tissue. (American Academy of Periodontology and European Federation of Periodontology).


Clinical features:


  • Loss of periodontal support tissue, manifested by clinical attachment loss.
  • Radiographic bone loss.
  • Presence of periodontal pockets.
  • Gingival bleeding.
Types, Stages and Degrees of Progression

The progression of the disease: how to stop it in time?

Periodontitis is classified by stage according to its severity and complexity. It can range from initial periodontitis to severe periodontitis. It can be localized or generalized, and its degree of progression will be related to systemic factors or risk factors such as diabetes and tobacco.


Stages: Based on the severity and complexity of treatment


  • Stage I: Early periodontitis
  • Stage II: Moderate periodontitis
  • Stage III: Severe periodontitis with potential for additional tooth loss
  • Stage IV: Severe periodontitis with potential tooth loss


Extent and distribution: Localized, generalized; incisor-molar distribution.


Grades: Evidence or risk of progression, anticipated response to treatment:


  • Grade A: Low rate of progression
  • Grade B: Moderate rate of progression
  • Grade C: Rapid rate of progression
Stadium Features

Understand the stages for effective treatment

STADIUM 1
  • Initial stage of attachment loss.
  • In response to persistent gingival inflammation and biofilm dysbiosis.
  • Difficult early detection.
STADIUM 2
  • Established periodontitis.
  • Success: Periodontal treatment and follow-up.
STADIUM 3
  • Presence of deep periodontal lesions extending to the middle portion of the root, whose management is complicated by the presence of deep intrabony defects, furcation involvement, history of periodontal tooth loss/exfoliation, and the presence of localized ridge defects.
  • Loss of teeth but no loss of chewing function.
STADIUM 4
  • Considerable damage to periodontal support can cause significant tooth loss, resulting in loss of masticatory function. Without proper periodontitis control and adequate rehabilitation, teeth are at risk of being lost.
  • This stage is characterized by the presence of deep periodontal lesions that extend to the apical portion of the root and/or a history of multiple tooth loss.
  • Posterior collapse.
GRADE AND PROGRESSION

Control the risks, stop the progression

Periodontitis can progress at different rates and respond less predictably to treatment in some patients, as well as influence overall health or systemic disease.


Risk factors, such as smoking or diabetes, affect the rate of progression of periodontitis and, consequently, may increase the likelihood of progressing from an early stage to an advanced stage.


The goal is to diagnose the case early to prevent it from progressing at a faster rate than usual or responding less predictably to treatment.

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