Periodontitis treatment

Periodontitis (apical periodontitis) is an infectious and inflammatory lesion of the periodontium – the connective tissue located between the dental root and the alveolar plate. There are several types of periodontitis, but most often we are talking about infectious, which is a complication of caries. Treatment of periodontitis should be carried out as early as possible to avoid complications requiring surgery.

The most common complications of periodontitis are abscesses, phlegmon, sinusitis, osteomyelitis and other diseases.

There are several reasons for the occurrence of periodontitis and, depending on this, the following types are distinguished:

• 1
  Infectious. The inflammatory process begins after the penetration of microorganisms through the root canal into the periodontal tissue. The reason may be advanced pulpitis, poor-quality treatment of tooth canals, infection of the tooth under the crown.
• 2
  Traumatic. They develop after mechanical stress on the jaw or tooth, for example, blow, biting hard objects, protruding filling. Traumatic periodontitis is characterized by acute symptoms.
• 3
  Medication. Most often, they are caused by poor-quality treatment of the dental nerve, when potent drugs penetrate the periodontium, for example, arsenic (arsenic periodontitis). In addition, the disease can develop as a result of an allergic reaction to drugs.

Periodontitis: the main symptoms

The following symptoms are characteristic of the acute form:

• pulling pain in the tooth with a focus of inflammation;
• throbbing pain (acute purulent periodontitis);
• tooth mobility with periodontal inflammation;
• general malaise;
• increased body temperature.

Chronic periodontitis occurs with the following symptoms:

• pain when physically affecting the tooth (pressure, tapping);
• minor irregular pain sensations;
• the formation of a fistula with purulent discharge on the outer surface of the jaw;
• bad breath.

Types of periodontitis

The following types of periodontitis are distinguished:

• 1
  acute form;
• 2
  chronic form;
• 3
  exacerbation stage.

In the acute form, the process lasts from 2 days to 2-3 weeks.

There are two types of inflammation:

• 1
  Serous. Periodontal edema increases, capillaries expand, which leads to increased pain.
• 2
  Purulent. Several inflammatory foci are combined. There is an expansion of tissues, which leads to an increase in the mobility of the teeth, the appearance of severe pain. Relief comes after the pus comes out.

Chronic periodontitis is characterized by a slow course without pronounced symptoms.

The main forms in chronic course:

• 1
  Fibrous. Periodontal tissues are compacted. Chronic fibrous periodontitis is asymptomatic, and exacerbations of the disease are rare – its presence can only be determined by x-ray examination.
• 2
  Granulating. It is characterized by rapid destruction of bone tissue and is accompanied by the proliferation of periodontal tissues.
• 3
  Granulomatous. In order to protect against infection, a capsule is formed around the focus of inflammation – a granuloma, inside of which there is a gradual destruction of tissues.

Periodontitis treatment

Treatment of acute periodontitis is performed in several visits to the dental clinic. At the first stage, the dentist expands the root canal, cleans it and removes all affected tissues, after which an antiseptic treatment is performed. To create conditions for the release of pus, the cavity remains open, and a special bandage is applied on top.

During treatment, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics. After 3-5 days, the dressing is removed, the canals are checked, and they are filled with medications. After that, a temporary filling is installed. A control X-ray is done in 2-3 months. In the absence of signs indicating the presence of an inflammatory process, the canals are filled, the coronal part is restored.

Chronic periodontitis will require more time and effort to heal. Fibrous periodontitis is treated in the same way as the acute form, but the roots do not expand. Granulating and granulomatous forms require long-term treatment – a temporary filling in this case is installed for a period of 3 to 6 months, and during treatment, regular X-ray examinations are carried out.

The chronic form of the disease is characterized by a decrease in the protective functions of the body, therefore, treatment should be accompanied by the administration of immunomodulators and drugs that stimulate regenerative functions. In very difficult cases, with severe damage to the periodontal tissues, tooth extraction may be required.

Periodontitis treatment in the dental clinic Amel Dental Clinic in Dnipro (Dnipropetrovsk)

The tactics of treating periodontitis depends on the stage of the disease. By contacting your doctor in a timely manner, you can avoid complications. That is why it is so important to regularly visit the dentist’s office for examination and examination. All manipulations are performed under anesthesia, and if necessary, we use sedation, which will completely relieve you of discomfort during treatment. The diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of our clinic are an opportunity for you to live without pain and with the desire to smile!