What Is Apical Periodontitis? (Causes, Symptoms, Treatments)

What Is Apical Periodontitis

Gum diseases can vary from mild to worst. In most cases, you may have to visit your local periodontist immediately. Especially, if you see signs of bleeding on your gums, it leads to further illnesses in the body. Any recurring pain may also be an emergency; mainly swelling gums may have additional dental issues. You may ask a dental clinic for a full X-ray diagnosis such as a panoramic X-ray for observing your gums. Some dental diseases, like apical periodontitis, may also be asymptomatic. Hence, a patient may further neglect the symptoms until the swelling becomes severe. Patients may want to find more about this special periodontal disease. 

 

What Is Apical Periodontitis?

Inflammation in the gums may be familiar for individuals with knowing what Gingivitis and Periodontitis are. However, according to dentists, apical periodontitis is special or close to a rare gum disorder that involves inflammation of the tissue around the tooth’s root or apex. Endodontists classify apical periodontitis into two categories, one with symptoms, and the other without clinical warning signs. Furthermore, it affects the pulp’s health which may necrotize without urgent treatment. Many patients may not even be aware of having a gum disease due to having no painful response of percussion or pressure. It may be best to visit a periodontist or an endodontist to have an early diagnosis.

 

Causes Of Apical Periodontitis

Gum disease may start as a tiny cavity in a few areas of the mouth. Without an immediate action like brushing, flossing in between teeth and gargling, cavities may become gingivitis. This initial stage of gum disease may further become periapical or apical if the patient doesn’t look for antibiotics or removal of the symptomatic dental disease. Other causes may also lead to other dental illnesses which may decay the bone and teeth completely

 

Infection In The Root

Apical Periodontitis Causes Symptoms Treatments

The parts of the periodontium may receive trauma from previous dental work, such as endodontic treatment. The root may develop an abscess which becomes pus due to bacteria and pressure while eating or chewing. Acute periapical periodontitis may start in this area. You may fight off an infection by looking for antibacterial medicine or getting a root canal therapy as early as possible. 

 

Untreated Cavities And Plaque

Teeth acquire cavities and plaque in the gum line due to food and debris that are stuck in between teeth. A dental specialist may remind you to floss your teeth to decrease the high risk of apical or periapical periodontitis. It is also a great way to relieve apical periodontitis by avoiding sugar or rich in carbohydrate foods that can attack teeth. 

 

Pulpitis Or Necrotic Pulp 

Either two aggressive forms of destroying the pulp of the tooth may happen for people with earlier stages of acute periodontitis. Pulpitis involves inflammation due to the bacteria that comes from the progressing gingivitis that affects the nerves of the tooth pulp. It may become necrotic once acute or chronic periodontitis kicks in. A dentistry specialist such as an endodontist or periodontist may still save your teeth. It may be reversible if the cavity hasn’t reached the inner area of the soft tissues and blood vessels.  

 

Acute To Chronic Inflammation In Gums

As stated earlier, gingivitis can become severe, leading to different types of periodontal problems. Acute periodontitis may not have symptoms of forming deep pockets in the mouth. It also may have irritation just like how gingivitis is, but there are already signs of a darker red color. When bones can no longer support teeth, it can lead to chronic apical or periapical periodontitis. It is dangerous to postpone any appointments or consultation since many instances of periodontitis lead to heart attack, stroke, and even death. 

 

Is There A Risk For Having Gum Diseases?

Alveolar bone loss is one of the leading problems in dentistry worldwide. Today, almost 60–90% of children and nearly all adults may suffer from pain and discomfort in tooth decay. Specifically, apical periodontitis can lead to tooth loss at a faster rate than most periodontal diseases. Additionally, nerves in the gum tissue may become sensitive to any hot or cold temperatures. Some risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, diabetes, pregnancy, and even HIV/AIDS makes the progression complicated. As soon as you see the symptoms of tooth decay, it would help if you go to an emergency dentist. Receding gums or tooth loss may be irreversible and will even cost more than what your health insurance can cover.

 

Symptoms To Check With Your Dentist

It is not too late to discover what solution or procedure you may do to prevent your teeth from falling out. Besides, many patients may even pay a higher cost for surgeries with further medical complications of apical or periapical periodontitis. Substantively, many health care insurances also lack dental health coverage. Preventing the risk of gum diseases are easy when you’re familiar with the signs of oral healthcare diseases. Check your teeth for any of these visible symptoms to prevent making your acute periodontitis into a chronic one.

  • Dental Abscess
  • Halitosis
  • Necrosis Of Pulpal Tissues
  • Mouth Lesion
  • Swelling Gum
  • Pain In The Neck, Ears, and Jaw
  • Difficulty Opening The Mouth
  • Severe Bleeding While Brushing Teeth

 

Treatments for Apical Periodontitis

Apical Periodontitis

As of recent dentistry advancements, periapical or apical periodontitis is reversible and may have noninvasive treatments. However, since most apical periodontitis cases are discovered in late stages, expect to have surgery in the gums. Here are other treatments that an apical or periapical periodontitis condition may require.

  • Root Canal Therapy

Toothaches can start as a mild cavity problem. But, recurring pain and clenching of the jaws already are signs to visit a dentistry specialist. Symptomatic apical or periapical periodontitis may receive root canal therapy once the specialist sees how the bacteria or germs are affecting your root. 

  • Apicoectomy 

The definition of apicoectomy comes from the word apico or end and ectomy as in removal. Apicoectomy removes the tip of the tooth’s root if the infection is already severe. Surgery is required in this process, unlike the traditional form of endodontics.

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