In some cases, a pathology such as necrosis develops in the human body. It represents the death of the tissue structure, which is irreversible. Quite often, the pathology is localized in the gingival region. However, necrosis can also affect the tissue of the heart muscle, occur against the background of pressure sores. An important characteristic is that the symptoms in the initial stages of the development of pathology are blurred. When the symptoms are fully manifested, the process is already becoming irreversible, it is almost impossible to stop, and cell regeneration becomes impossible.
The causes of this pathology
The death of gingival tissues can occur for a number of various reasons, the main of which is circulatory disorders in the gums. Quite often, gum necrosis is accompanied by necrotic lesions of the teeth. The main reasons for the violation of the structure of the gum tissue are:
- Inadequate oral hygiene, which leads to the development of gingivitis, which in turn provokes an inflammatory process that affects the teeth and gums.
- Traumatic damage to the gums caused by dental treatment due to malocclusion, burns, acid exposure, lightning strike, constant pressure on blood vessels, prolonged exposure to cold.
- Gum necrosis often occurs after anesthesia.
- Decreased immunity, vitamin deficiency, anemia.
- Regular use of narcotic or toxic substances.
- Heavy exposure to radioactive isotopes, radiation therapy.
- Endocrine pathologies, hormonal disruptions.
- Violation of the blood, metabolism.
- Infection, an advanced form of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Classification of causes
All the reasons contributing to the development of gum necrosis are usually divided into trophoneurotic (characterized by unstable innervation of the gum tissue), toxicogenic, ischemic (circulatory disorders), and traumatic. Thus, the following factors can provoke an ailment: puberty, pregnancy, failed prosthetics, unprofessional dental treatment, heart disease.
Arsenic
There is also another toxic cause that should be highlighted separately. In some cases, gum necrosis develops from arsenic.
For pulp cavity devitalization, dentists still use paste, which is an arsenic compound. This poison has a destructive effect on the skin, bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, lungs and kidneys. Extremely destructive, it affects the tissues of the body. Over time, the arsenic filling can be depressurized and provoke gum necrosis. The incubation period takes several years, so the patient notices the appearance of negative symptoms too late.
Signs
Gum necrosis in its development goes through several stages. At the initial stages, rather harmless symptoms are manifested - the gum surface slightly exfoliates from the tooth, the bleeding of the gums increases, pigmentation is disturbed, the enamel loses its luster. Another symptom of gum necrosis is discoloration of the tooth surface, the appearance of roughness on it.
At the middle stage of development, there is the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity, swelling, redness of the gums, an increase in lymph nodes. In the absence of necessary therapeutic measures, the condition begins to worsen: the temperature rises to borderline values, a gray coating appears, and bleeding of the gingival papillae increases. Tissue areas begin to gradually blacken, ulcerate, teeth become unstable. As a result of constant fever, the patient's appetite and sleep patterns are disturbed, headaches develop.
At the last stage, the destructive process and symptoms of gum necrosis are aggravated. The foci of inflammation become visible visually, severe swelling appears. Gum tissue begins to die, causing the appearance of stench, bone structures are exposed. Dyspeptic disorders and fever become permanent. The process develops to a complete loss of chewing function.
Diagnosis of gingival pathologies
During a routine examination, a competent dentist will certainly identify gingival diseases, detect the presence of pressure sores under dental processes, and listen to patient complaints. The main criteria for assessing the patient's condition for the doctor are:
- Smell that comes from the oral cavity.
- The condition of the gingival tissue.
- Gum color.
- Occurring bleeding, soreness.
- Symptoms of intoxication (insomnia, indigestion, headache, loss of appetite, hyperthermia).
X-ray and laboratory research
In addition to conducting a visual assessment of the condition, the dentist prescribes x-ray and laboratory tests. X-rays will reveal the degree of necrotization. By a laboratory study of the allocated plaque, the presence of leukocytes, fungal infection, and rods can be detected.
Gum necrosis, detected at an early stage, is a reversible disease.
Therapeutic effect
Therapy of necrotic changes involves, first of all, the restoration of blood circulation in damaged tissue and the relief of further destruction. Tissues that have already died out should be removed, since their structure cannot be restored. Among other things, the treatment of gum necrosis involves the strengthening of general immunity. Specialists will prescribe a number of measures aimed at improving vascular and nerve patency, returning to the natural regenerative functions of cells.
Gum necrosis (photos can be found on specialized resources) is divided into two types:
- Coagulation (dry). With such necrosis, the inflammatory process is replaced by the process of mummification of the affected tissues.
- Collision (wet). This form is characterized, on the contrary, by the presence of putrefactive inclusions, purulent foci, edema, extensive inflammation.
Therapy of collicational necrosis is not aimed at its transformation into coagulation necrosis. Abscesses are opened for this, inflamed areas are drained, special dressings are applied. Damaged surfaces are treated using hydrogen peroxide. In the absence of effectiveness of such actions, removal of dead tissue is prescribed. It is also required to stop the poisoning of the body - the patient is prescribed antibiotic drugs, vascular measures. The negative characteristic of wet necrosis is its lightning-fast spread, as a result of which irreparable harm is caused to the body.
The treatment of coagulation type gum necrosis consists in treating affected gums with antiseptics, removing dead areas that have lost functionality, and conducting therapy aimed at restoring blood circulation.
Gum necrotization can also cause a burn. Immediately after the incident, you should remove the agent that caused it and seek the help of a dentist. Regardless of the type of burn (chemical or thermal), it is necessary to take into account the depth of the lesion. For tissue rejection, initial gingival burn therapy involves surgery to remove the area that is dying. If the degree of burn is mild, the dentist will prescribe a mouth rinse using aseptic medications, treatment with medical ointments and gels.
Forecast
The prognosis of therapy depends entirely on the stage at which gum necrosis is located, its form. If changes are detected on time, the pathology can be completely eliminated.
Prevention of the development of gum tissue necrosis implies full oral hygiene, a balanced diet, regular visits to the dentist, timely treatment of chronic diseases.