Periodontitis and its symptoms:
When should you seek medical advice?

Because the disease often progresses undetected for years, periodontitis and its symptoms can be difficult to detect.

Little known to the general public, this pathology affecting all tooth-supporting tissues (including the gums) can have serious consequences if its progression is not halted. The Studio Dentaire in Lyon 3rd, run by Dr Hervé Touati, offers its patients tailor-made periodontal treatment at its practice, so you can preserve your dental capital and smile again.

If you’re wondering how to tell if you’ve got periodontitis, we suggest you take the self-diagnosis test below, which details the symptoms that may be present. We’ll also explain when it’s best to seek medical advice if you’re in any doubt.

Preamble: What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is characterized by the loosening loosening of the teethAlthough periodontitis is characterized by loosening of the teeth, other, much more discreet symptoms may be present before the roots of the teeth are progressively denuded, as we shall see later. In all cases, it’s an infectious disease of bacterial origin that attacks the tooth’s support system (gums, bone and ligament, cementum). The gums become inflamed, swell, bleed and detach from the tooth, creating a space between tooth and gum called a “pocket”. Bacteria accumulate in these pockets, destroying the periodontium. Eventually (after many years), periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, once the alveolar bone and ligament have been largely destroyed. The origins of this periodontal disease can be multiple: it can be genetic (it is often hereditary), linked to lifestyle (smoking, stress) or to taking certain medications…

How do I know if I have periodontal disease: Symptoms

The symptoms of periodontal disease vary from patient to patient, depending on the stage of the disease. Lifestyle factors can also mask certain signs, as in the case of smokers, whose gums remain pink and do not bleed.

Thanks to this self-diagnosis, you’ll be able to determine whether it’s best to consult a dentist specializing in periodontology for a complete check-up.

Have you observed one or more of the following symptoms in recent months :

Red and/or swollen gums

Bleeding gums, either when brushing, eating or spontaneously

Diffuse pain or discomfort

The presence of an abscess

Tooth loosening: your roots become exposed and your teeth appear longer.

Teeth that move

Your teeth have shifted

Food often gets stuck between your teeth

Recurrent bad breath

Family history: a member of your family has periodontitis

If several of the above elements are present in your situation, it’s important to consult a specialist. If you only notice a little bleeding or red gums, a consultation is also necessary. It may be a simple case of gingivitis (inflammation), but if not properly treated in time, it can develop into periodontitis.

What happens during diagnosis and follow-up at Studio Dentaire?

Our dental practice offers customized periodontal treatment in Lyon for patients suffering from periodontitis. At your first appointment, we’ll carry out a full oral check-up to confirm the diagnosis. This will include a microscopic analysis of your saliva to observe the bacteria present in your mouth, as well as a panoramic X-ray, which will be complemented by X-rays of the different areas of your jaw for a more precise view of the state of your periodontium. If the diagnosis of periodontitis is confirmed, we’ll be able to see how the pathology is progressing and propose a customized treatment. This consists of at-home treatment with antiseptics and a series of lithotripsy sessions designed to remove tartar from the pockets and thus thoroughly cleanse the periodontal pockets. Follow-up sessions are scheduled after treatment to check that the situation has stabilized. In the case of gingivitis, we’ll suggest treatments to treat the inflammation and prevent it from worsening. In all cases, you’ll benefit from tailor-made follow-up with your periodontist and the Studio Dentaire team: we’ll accompany you step by step, answering your questions in full transparency so that you can play an active part in your treatment.

Before / After treatment

Studio Dentaire is at your service on 04 78 62 84 08 to make an appointment or request information. We welcome you to our office in the heart of Lyon’s Part-Dieu district, close to Les Halles and the shopping center.

Periodontitis and its symptoms: When should you seek medical advice?

Preamble: What is periodontitis?

How do I know if I have periodontal disease: Symptoms

What happens during diagnosis and follow-up at Studio Dentaire?

Periodontitis and its symptoms:
When should you seek medical advice?