Chronic Periodontal Disease

I read a lot about periodontal disease. I understand that this is an advanced stage of gum disease: plaque accumulated on your teeth and gums attacks the gums and bone.

But the plate can be removed by professional cleaning and good oral hygiene helps prevent plaque buildup.

So why chronic periodontal disease, then? Why can it be treated but not cured?

Thank you.

Periodontal disease is usually chronic, because it progresses slowly. Recall that the first we see gingivitis (gum inflammation without active bone loss) before bone loss (periodontitis) begins. Gingivitis can be seen fairly quickly after the onset of poor hygiene, and usually disappears when local etiological factors are removed. Periodontitis, however, takes years to start and slow bone loss. It comes after years of gingivitis.

When teeth are cleaned and the plate removed, the bone loss stops (if the patient improves their habits of oral hygiene). That's how it is treated. Rather than saying that periodontitis is "incurable", it is better to say it is "irreversible" since the bone does not regenerate and bone loss is permanent. But as the bone loss is stopped, the patient does not have periodontitis.

Hope this helps!

There are millions of people who do not know they have some form of periodontal disease, but the following symptoms may be a precursor to the disease. Periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable, the best treatment for your particular condition will be advised by your dentist or periodontist. People who suffer from periodontal disease will be necessary to go to the dentist more often than the recommended bi-annual visits. If the disease has been caught in the early stages it can be easily treated by your dentist. However, if the infection has been left unchecked and allowed to grow in a serious condition, you may be subject to a periodontist who asses the condition and recommend the best treatment as periodontal surgery. The frequency of visits required to solve the problem will also advise you on your exam.
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