Girish Suragimath

By Girish Suragimath

Periodontal diseases are silent infections that often go undiagnosed until irreparable damage occurs to the teeth and oral structures. These chronic oral infections are characterized by the presence of a biofilm matrix that adheres to the periodontal structures and serves as a reservoir for bacteria (plaque). Response of the body toward the bacterial challenge of dental plaque can lead to bone loss and the migration of the junctional epithelium, resulting in periodontal pocketing and periodontal disease. This bacterial insult can result in destruction of the periodontal tissues that precipitates a systemic inflammatory and immune response leading to the release of several cytokines and immunomodulatory agents, which may affect systemic conditions and diseases. The influence of periodontal infection on systemic disease and conditions documented include coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHD-related events such as angina, infarction, atherosclerosis, and other vascular conditions; stroke; diabetes mellitus; preterm labor, low birth weight delivery, and preeclampsia; and respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal demise affect a significant number of pregnancies and are a major source of both maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This chapter highlights the two-way relationship between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcome.

Part of the book: Gingival Disease

By Girish Suragimath and Ashwinirani SR

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) occur when a person undergoes trauma due to variety of reasons. Traumatic injuries are part of the growing up years and can have ever lasting wounds with scarring on the affected individuals. Treatment and rehabilitation of the teeth with traumatic injuries are essential for long term survival of the teeth. Immediate care, appropriate diagnosis and treatment with comprehensive follow-up are essential for a favorable prognosis of the affected teeth. A coordinated effort from different specialties including general dentist, oral radiologist, pediatric dentist, periodontist, oral surgeon, orthodontist and endodontist is essential for success of the treatment. Team efforts involving these different specialists will help the patient to receive successful long term outcome. Proper oral hygiene maintenance during and after traumatic dental injury, is required to stop the deterioration of the tooth and periodontal structures. The caregiver in children and the adult with traumatic dental injuries should be educated and guided about the proper oral hygiene techniques especially in the areas with dental injury. Dentist must be aware of the treatments rendered to the teeth with trauma and should have up-to-date knowledge of the oral hygiene measures to be inculcated in the subjects with dental trauma. This chapter highlights the oral hygiene measures to be followed by the subjects with TDIs and also includes measures to be followed by the dentist in such a scenario.

Part of the book: Clinical Concepts and Practical Management Techniques in Dentistry