Periodontitis
Periodontitis refers to inflammation of the tissues that fill the space between the cement of the root of the tooth and its hole – that is, the periodontal. The inflammatory process can also spread to the alveoli itself, contributing to the rarefaction of the bone tissue forming it and the formation of cysts.
Causes and predisposing factors
The main causes of the development of the inflammatory process in the space surrounding the tooth are:
Injury. Leads to the development of acute or chronic periodontitis. The acute form develops with a single, significant, traumatic force action – for example, with a blow. The chronic form can develop with minor but permanent traumatic effects – in particular, with an increase in the permissible limits of the load on the surface of the tooth (for example, with frequent biting of hard materials) or with improper application of filling material.
Infection. Pathogenic microorganisms may enter the periodontium from the carious cavity of the diseased tooth or the surrounding tissues – for example, from the cavity of the maxillary sinus or gum. The spread of infection from the tooth cavity into the surrounding tissues is the main way of developing periodontitis in young children.
Chemicals. Periodontal inflammation can be triggered by the ingestion of potent chemicals used in the treatment of dental diseases on its tissues, as well as with the development of an allergic reaction to pharmacological preparations used in dentistry.
A decrease in the reactivity of the immune system and an increased allergic readiness of the patient’s body predispose to the development of the inflammatory process.
Leading symptoms
The main complaint of patients with the development of periodontitis is the appearance of sharp soreness in the area of the affected tooth, which increases with chewing, biting.
The pain may also be less pronounced, aching, but constant, and increase gradually, becoming pulsating, intense as the inflammatory process progresses. As a rule, one to two weeks pass from the appearance of mild pain sensations to the development of a pronounced pain syndrome.
The general condition of the patient worsens as the pain increases, body temperature rises, symptoms of intoxication appear.
In the chronic course of the inflammatory process, pain is poorly expressed, it can increase when creating a vertical load on the tooth. In most cases, the patient notes a feeling of “bursting”, heaviness in the area of the affected tooth. Symptoms are more pronounced when the process is aggravated.
Diagnosis of pathology
The diagnosis is made on the basis of characteristic complaints, objective examination data and X-ray examination of the affected tooth.
Electrodiagnostics is used to determine the condition of the pulp.
Basic principles of treatment
Treatment of the disease is usually long-term, it begins with ensuring the free evacuation of inflammatory exudate from the focus of inflammation. The patient is prescribed rinsing with antiseptic solutions, decoctions of anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs.
Pharmacological therapy is used, in which anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, as well as antihistamines are used. Physiotherapy treatment is actively used: UHF, amplipulstherapy, darsonvalization, DDT, magnetotherapy.
After the acute phenomena subside, a temporary filling of the tooth cavity is performed, and then a permanent filling is applied.
If it is impossible to seal, the tooth is removed.
