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Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
woman with doctorNecrotizing is a term used when describing an infection that is causing the death of something. In reference to periodontal disease, the tissue that is dying is the gum tissue that supports and surrounds your teeth due to an inflammatory infection caused by bacteria. Necrotizing periodontal disease is a relatively rarely seen elevated periodontal infection that is generally seen in patients with a decreased immune system.

Treatment of the lesser degree of necrotising gingivitis can be successful if treated early. Success may be dependent on any other predisposing systemic illness. Our staff at Pine Belt Periodontics, PLLC can examine the affected area, discuss a diagnosis, and then work with you to create a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Necrotizing periodontal disease is not typical gum disease, it generally involves the bacteria of the fusobacteria and spirochaete species. This is generally seen in patients with a severe immune disorder including patients who are HIV-positive, have leukemia, spent their development years in a country that suffers with malnutrition, or other severe situations.

Similarly to periodontal disease, patients with the aggressive necrotizing disorder, will have varying stages in the development of the infection. The stages are categorized as:
•  Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (NUG): Necrotising gingivitis is the stage in which an infection of the gums is causing the tips of the gums that can generally be seen between the teeth (gingival papillae) to now be lost. This phase is often associated with bleeding and pain and can present as chronic or recurrent, but is not considered contagious. Historically, there have been patients in groups that have had this condition, but it is because the group often suffered the same malnutrition or severe psychological impact such as war, not because it’s contagious. NUG is sometimes referred to as trench mouth. Treatment is often successful at this point of the infection, though it will depend on the severity and medical condition of the patient.
•  Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontitis (NUP): If necrotizing gingivitis is allowed to continue, the infection will advance to the phase of NUP leading to attachment loss. At this stage, the infection is destroying the ligaments that anchor the teeth to the socket. The infection is causing an inflammation that is highly destructive to your supporting bone. Tooth loss and bone loss can occur rapidly.
•  Necrotizing Stomatitis: Sometimes grouped with cancrum oris, necrotizing stomatitis is a severe, possibly life threatening condition. The infection has continued to rage, killing both soft and hard tissue as it moves. The patient may experience severe facial deformity and the results are often fatal.

Infection should never be ignored, the consequences can be highly impactful if not life threatening. We will work with the patient to treat the infection and help restore their oral health. This process may include the removal of infected tissue and then rebuilding the affected area. Treatment can be time consuming, but extremely important.

For more information on trench mouth, and the severe impact of necrotizing periodontal disease, contact our Hattiesburg office at (601) 255-9929.

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Pine Belt Periodontics, 9 Medical Blvd., Hattiesburg, MS 39401 - (601) 255-9929 - drbrianpitfield.com - 6/1/2023 - Related Phrases: Periodontist Hattiesburg MS -