Chronic Periodontitis

Periodontitis is defined as "an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by specific microorganisms, resulting in progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone with pocket formation, recession, or both." Chronic periodontitis is often painless and hence patients do not seek early treatment. It is often neglected and hence eventually results in tooth loss since the patients seek treatment when prognosis is hopeless. Proper and prompt diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment. Treatment plan should be based on sound diagnosis. Appropriate therapy for patients with periodontitis varies considerably with the extent and pattern of attachment loss, local anatomical variations, type of periodontal disease and therapeutic objectives. The role of the patient is as important as the role of the dentist in the management of chronic periodontitis. Patients should be encouraged and motivated to maintain adequate oral hygiene. Also patients should be encouraged to quit any deleterious habits if present which have an adverse effect on the periodontium such as smoking.