Generalized periodontitis is a disease of the soft tissues of the periodontal, which is characterized by a destructive nature against the background of an inflammatory process that spreads throughout the oral cavity or affects individual teeth.
The content of the article:
Causes of generalized periodontitis
Classification of generalized periodontitis
Symptoms of generalized periodontitis
Methods of diagnosis of generalized periodontitis
Treatment of generalized periodontitis
Prognosis and prevention of generalized periodontitis
Generalized periodontitis
The main etiological factor that causes the appearance of generalized periodontitis is self—infection by pathological microorganisms that are in large numbers on the mucous membrane of the patient’s oral cavity. During the progression of the disease, the destruction of bone and periodontal tissues occurs, periodontal pockets are formed. The deep penetration of infection between the bone tissue and the gum causes the process of inflammation of periodontal tissues, this moment is the first stage of destruction of the tooth root.
Generalized periodontitis is most often diagnosed in patients aged 30-45 years. There is also a separate age group in which the disease does not occur so often — patients aged 16 to 20 years. This pathological process is considered a rather serious disease, and in the diagnosis it is very important to identify it at an early stage, which will avoid premature loss of teeth, which is much more common with generalized periodontitis than with carious disease. The lack of high-quality and regular oral hygiene can complicate the course of the disease, which causes the accumulation of a large amount of soft plaque and deposits in which pathogenic bacteria accumulate.
Causes of generalized periodontitis
In modern dentistry, they still cannot clearly identify the factors that provoke the appearance of the disease, which is associated with the inflammatory nature of generalized periodontitis, which may appear against the background of local causes or common causes caused by concomitant diseases.
The spread of the inflammation process in the tissues surrounding the tooth is influenced by factors such as:
a large number of pathogenic bacteria penetrating into the space between the edge line of the gum and the surface of the tooth;
a decrease in human immunity and the inability of the body to fight microbes, which leads to metabolic disorders in periodontal tissues;
various deviations from the anatomical position and structure of the teeth, malocclusion;
injuries sustained during a fight or fall, as well as during surgery, birth trauma;
violation of mineral metabolism of teeth — demineralization;
an incorrect diet based on the intake of exclusively soft foods, which leads to a decrease in the load on the teeth, they become more sensitive;
ecology — living in places where there are regular chemical or bacteriological emissions, increased radiation background. This also applies to working conditions;
stressful situations, a state of constant depression.
The only opinion that all dentists agree on is that generalized periodontitis appears as a result of non-compliance with the rules of oral hygiene.
In connection with these reasons that caused periodontitis, may be:
accumulation of a large amount of plaque on the teeth, especially when it passes into the stage of dental plaque or stone;
a bad habit in the form of tobacco smoking, which contributes to a decrease in the protective function of the body, which can cause infection of periodontal tissues with microbes due to the interaction of saliva with tobacco and, as a result, the creation of favorable conditions for the vital activity of bacteria;
genetic predisposition to this kind of diseases. In this case, gingivitis appears first, and it, in turn, degenerates into generalized periodontitis, even in the case of regular oral hygiene;
a small volume of saliva produced due to dysfunction of the salivary glands or manifested as a result of taking sedative medications;
various pathologies and inflammatory processes occurring in internal organs;
the presence of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, hypertension;
hormonal disorders caused by pregnancy, lactation or menopause;
lack of vitamins or improper metabolism in the human body;
poor-quality work of dentists.
Classification of generalized periodontitis
According to the nature of the course of the disease , there are:
acute generalized periodontitis;
chronic generalized periodontitis;
generalized periodontitis of the aggravated type;
generalized periodontitis in remission.
According to the localization of foci , the disease happens:
localized periodontitis;
generalized periodontitis.
There are three degrees of severity of the disease:
easy — 1 stage, the tissues of the dental well decrease by one-third of the height of the dental root, during the examination the depth of the periodontal pocket is less than 4 millimeters, the teeth are motionless;
the average is 2 degrees, the periodontal pocket reaches a length of 5 millimeters, the loss of the tissues of the dental well reaches 1/2 of the root of the tooth, pathology in the form of tooth mobility becomes noticeable;
severe — grade 3, the periodontal pocket reaches a depth of more than 5 millimeters, the loss of the tissues of the dental well is more than 1/2 the length of the root of the tooth, the mobility of the teeth is in 3-4 stages.
Exacerbations of generalized periodontitis, depending on the severity of the disease, can occur from once every two to three years to once or twice a year.
Symptoms of generalized periodontitis
The main symptom of generalized periodontitis is the course of the disease, which has a permanent (chronic) character. If the disease is localized, the lesion will spread to certain teeth. In the generalized form, all soft tissues and teeth of both jaws are affected. In this regard, the diagnosis of the disease is facilitated, but the treatment will be prolonged.
At the initial stage of the pathological process, gingivitis progresses in the patient, which is characterized by the process of inflammation of the gums, accompanied by sufficient bleeding. Over time, in the absence of treatment, the disease leads to the destruction of the tissues surrounding the tooth.
At the next stage of generalized periodontitis, the integrity and reliable adhesion of the dentoalveolar joints and ligaments are destroyed. Along with this, the process of destruction of bone tissue takes place inside, pathological mobility of teeth begins to manifest itself, which constantly increases with the progression of the disease.
The patient feels a feeling of pain and discomfort in the area of the dental neck. Bleeding increases. Plaque is being deposited on the teeth in increasing numbers. Due to the painfulness of hygiene procedures and the inability to remove plaque, it begins to harden and develops into tartar.
Further, with a severe and neglected degree of the disease, purulent discharge begins to appear from the gums and tartar, characterized by an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity and a corresponding taste in the mouth.
Next, a periodontal pocket is formed — the distance between the periodontal and the teeth, which has a pathological nature, is the main sign of generalized periodontitis.
Methods of diagnosis of generalized periodontitis
The diagnosis of this pathological process is based on the clinical picture, as well as the time during which it is present in the patient. If there are any diseases that occur together with generalized periodontitis, it may be necessary to consult some specialists, for example, a therapist, an endocrinologist, an immunologist and others.
The dentist examines the patient’s oral cavity, determines the presence of plaque on the teeth and evaluates it. Carefully examines the gums, notes their bleeding, the presence of periodontal pockets, determines the intensity of the inflammatory process. Dental indexes and a periodontal chart are compiled.
Laboratory diagnostics consists in scraping from the periodontal pocket, back-sowing, blood analysis. The stage of the disease is determined by the results of X-rays, a biopsy of the affected area may be required.
It is important to differentiate the disease from gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Treatment of generalized periodontitis
When generalized periodontitis is diagnosed, treatment must be performed not only differential, but also complex. To achieve the maximum effect, specialists from various fields of medicine are involved. However, the very first thing that is necessary for a successful start of treatment is compliance with the rules and norms of oral hygiene. The patient is fully responsible for this process. The dentist will help you choose the right toothpaste and brush for these procedures.
When periodontitis is in an undisturbed form, such dental procedures as professional cleaning of plaque and hard deposits, surface treatment with antiseptic drugs, as well as fluoride applications on affected teeth will be sufficient for treatment.
With an average degree of the disease, the patient is performed curettage of periodontal pockets. The dentist determines the need to remove the tooth root and affected teeth, then splinting is performed for therapeutic purposes and, if necessary, orthopedic systems are installed. To relieve the inflammation process, a complex of anti-inflammatory medications is prescribed.
The severe degree of the disease requires surgical treatment. In particular, this is the removal of affected teeth, which have the last degrees of pathological mobility. Plastic dental surgeries can be performed. A course of antibiotics is prescribed, which is associated with a high level of development of the inflammatory process. It is necessary to take medications that increase the protective function of the body, and vitamin complexes to saturate the body with missing trace elements.
As a complex treatment, procedures such as electrophoresis, laser or ultrasound therapy, herbal therapy or medical leeches can be prescribed.
Prognosis and prevention of generalized periodontitis
Such a pathological process as generalized periodontitis needs carefully selected treatment. Only on condition that the patient follows all the dentist’s prescriptions, and in particular, regular oral hygiene, it will be possible to achieve maximum results and suspend the course of the disease, transfer it to the stage of prolonged remission and prolong this period as long as possible.
Soft periodontal tissues will gradually recover during treatment. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of a complete recovery of the patient and the preservation of the normal functioning of the teeth and the entire jaw.
An unfavorable prognosis of treatment is premature loss of teeth, but this can happen only if the request for dental care was too late, and the disease turned into a severe form. Generalized periodontitis can also be complicated by a violation of the work of the cardiac and vascular systems of the body, therefore it is necessary to identify the disease as soon as possible.
As a preventive measure of the disease, doctors recommend performing oral hygiene procedures efficiently and regularly. If there are a lot of dental deposits, then you should perform hygienic cleaning at a professional level. Concomitant diseases should be treated, especially if they are of an inflammatory nature.
