Periodontal disease SDL Flashcards
Which changes in plaque make it a potential cause of periodontal disease?
Increased bacterial pathogenicity
Calculus formation
Inflammatory response
Mature biofilm more likely to contain pathogenic bacteria
Bacteria producing toxins
What are the clinical signs of periodontal disease?
Discoloured gums
bleeding/inflamed gums
loose or missing teeth
halitosis
irritability
blood/’ropey’ saliva
inappetance
How does osteoclastogenesis occur?
Inflammation leads to recruitment of immune cells
Cells in the periodontal tissues (e.g., osteoblasts) produce RANKL (cytokine)
RANKL binds to RANK on the surface of osteoclast precursor cells which stimulates differentiation into mature osteoclasts
How is osteoclastogenesis regulation?
OPG acts as a decoy receptor for RANKL
Competition between RANK and OPG regulates bone resorption
What happens when osteoclastogenesis is unregulated?
bone resorption increases -> weakens bone around teeth
Describe the early stages of periodontitis
gingival pocket formation
inflammation of gingive extends deeper into roots
bacteria and plaque accumulates in pockets
early bone loss
Describe the moderate stage of periodontitis
Increased pocket depth
further bone loss
periodontal abscesses from - pockets becomes sites for collection of pus
Describe the advanced stage of periodontitis
severe pocket formation
extensive bone loss
tooth mobility and loss
soft tissue/gun recession
What is FORL?
feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions
dental condition characterised by resorption of tooth structure due to odontoclast overactivity
Define periodontal disease
inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth
