A number of studies published in the last decade have revealed a relationship between periodontitis and other conditions, such as:
- Greater chance of cerebrovascular accidents.
- Impaired metabolic control of sugar in diabetics.
- Greater chance of pregnant women with periodontitis giving birth to babies that are underweight or premature.
This is due to the spread of the bacteria that cause periodontitis from the gum to other parts of the organism.
It has been shown that bacteria can be transmitted between partners and from mothers to their children. However, although the presence of these bacteria is necessary in order to for the disease to occur, their mere presence does not mean that the patient will develop the condition, since periodontitis is a multifactorial disease in which factors such as genetics, stress, certain conditions (immunological diseases, diabetes, etc.) and the consumption of tobacco play a role.
The treatment is performed with the patient under anaesthetic. As a result, the patient should feel no pain under any circumstances.
Periodontitis can be treated if detected in its early or moderate stages. The loss of teeth can be avoided by stabilising the loss of bone around the teeth. In very advanced cases, the tooth will have to be removed if the damage done is excessive (hence the importance of an early diagnosis).
Minor cases can be treated by general dentists who have knowledge of periodontology. However, for more advanced cases the use of a dentist with special training in the treatment of periodontitis - a periodontist – is recommended.
In general, lost bone cannot be recovered. The objective of the treatment is to halt the progression of bone loss to avoid tooth loss; however, in some situations we can regenerate lost bone via the application of products that promote the formation of new bone. You can see the results in the clinical cases section.