What Is Pyorrhea? The Advanced Gum Disease You Should Not Ignore

Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS

Reading time: four minutes.

If you have persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or gum inflammation, you might be dealing with something more serious than you think: pyorrhea gum disease.

At Highlands Ranch Periodontics, we are here to help you understand this severe form of gum disease, why it is critical to address it, and how to treat pyorrhea effectively.

Let’s explore what pyorrhea is and why it is a dental health issue you cannot afford to ignore.

We offer gum disease treatments at our office in Highlands Ranch, CO. Our experienced periodontists, Dr. Kerri Font and Dr. Mike Norouzinia provides expert care to help restore gum health and prevent further complications.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Pyorrhea is a severe gum disease that attacks your gums, bones, and teeth. Seek professional care immediately if you notice bleeding gums, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath to protect your oral health.

What Is Pyorrhea Gum Disease?

Pyorrhea, also known as advanced periodontitis or chronic periodontitis, is an advanced stage of periodontal disease that goes beyond the initial stages of gum inflammation (gingivitis).

It is caused by the accumulation of bacteria and dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth.

Over time, this bacterial infection attacks your gum tissue, alveolar bone (the bone supporting your teeth), and periodontal tissues, leading to bone loss and tooth loss if left unchecked.

Unlike gingivitis, which is reversible with good dental care, pyorrhea gum disease is a progressive destruction of your oral health.

It creates deep pockets between your gums and teeth where harmful bacteria thrive, making it harder to maintain a healthy mouth.

Common Signs of Pyorrhea You Should Watch For

So, how do you know if you are dealing with advanced pyorrhea?

Here are a few warning signs to look out for:

  • Bad breath that does not go away, even with brushing or antimicrobial mouthwash.
  • Loose teeth or a shifting bite, as bone deterioration weakens their support.
  • Gum inflammation: red, swollen, or bleeding gums that may feel tender.
  • Periodontal pockets or deeper pockets where food particles and plaque buildup collect.
  • Receding gums, exposing more of the tooth root and causing sensitivity.
  • Tooth loss, as the loss of attachment between gums and bone worsens.

These signs of pyorrhea are not just a cosmetic issue, they signal a chronic disease that can lead to severe bone loss and even connect to broader health problems like cardiovascular diseases. 

What Causes Pyorrhea Gum Disease?

Pyorrhea develops when bacterial plaque and food bits are not removed through regular brushing, flossing, or professional cleanings.

This film of bacteria triggers an inflammatory response, starting with gingivitis and progressing to advanced periodontitis if untreated. Risk factors that can speed up this process include:

  • Poor oral hygiene habits
  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Genetic predisposition or a family history of gum disease
  • Medical conditions like diabetes or cancer treatment that weaken your immune system
  • Hormonal changes or stress that affect gum health

Periodontitis progresses gradually, but once it becomes aggressive, bone loss can accelerate, making it harder to control without professional treatment.

Treating Pyorrhea

We provide specialized care to restore gum health and prevent further damage. Treatment options depend on the severity of periodontitis and may include:

  1. Deep cleaning (Scaling and root planing): For earlier stages, we remove plaque buildup and smooth the tooth root to stop the progression of periodontitis. This non-surgical deep cleaning targets those hard-to-reach periodontal pockets.
  2. Flap surgery or osseous surgery: In more advanced cases, we may need to lift the gums to clean out deeper pockets and reshape the alveolar bone. This reduces the space where harmful bacteria can hide. Learn more about these procedures here: What Is the Difference Between Scaling and Osseous Surgery?
  3. Tissue regeneration or tissue grafts: If you have experienced significant bone loss or gum tissue damage, we can use advanced techniques to encourage tissue regeneration and restore your gum level.
  4. Ongoing care and monitoring: Maintaining your results requires ongoing care. A customized treatment plan, regular periodontal checkups, and professional cleanings help prevent relapse and keep your gums healthy.

Every case is unique, so we will create a personalized plan to address your gum condition. Our goal is to stop the inflammatory conditions, preserve your healthy teeth, and protect your overall oral health care.

Book a Consultation Today!

Ignoring pyorrhea can lead to severe bone loss and long-term damage. Early intervention is key to preserving your oral health and preventing complications.

If you have noticed signs of gum disease or have a history of periodontal issues, our team at Highlands Ranch Periodontics is here to help

To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO, call (303) 683-1144 to schedule your consultation or visit us at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd. #225, Highlands Ranch, CO.

Categories: Periodontics