Aggressive periodontitis is a form of periodontal disease that is characterized by rapid and severe destruction of the periodontal tissues and dental structures. The most typical manifestation of aggressive periodontitis is rapid attachment loss of the gingival tissues which leads to deep periodontal pockets. It is usually associated with rapid bone destruction, and may result in severe mobility of the teeth.
The main cause of aggressive periodontitis is believed to be an overactive inflammatory response to oral bacteria. This causes an abnormally high amount of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, to be produced and released into the periodontal tissues. These inflammatory mediators lead to increased destruction and damage to the periodontal tissues, as well as the destruction of the supporting bone.
In addition to rapid attachment loss, other common manifestations of aggressive periodontitis include gingival enlargement, gingival bleeding, and foul-smelling breath. Patients may also experience pain and discomfort in the affected area. If left untreated, aggressive periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and serious health complications.
To diagnose aggressive periodontitis, a periodontist will take a thorough medical and dental history, perform a physical examination, and take X-rays to determine the extent of the periodontal destruction. The periodontist may also take a sample of the periodontal pocket to test for the presence of specific bacteria. Treatment usually consists of a combination of scaling and root planing, surgical intervention, and antibiotics.