For instance, diabetes is proved to be associated with periodontitis- it is a major risk factor when glycaemic control is poor. The rate of loss of attachment and bone loss is rapid.Loss of attachment refers to the destruction of periodontium whereas the bone refers to the alveolar bone supporting the teeth. The loss can be determined by using a calibrated periodontal probe and taking radiographs of the dentition. Usually the loss of attachment is greater than 2mm per year. Aggressive periodontitis runs in the patients family.Familial aggregation of aggressive periodontitis is often discovered by taking a thorough medical history of the patient. The patient is said to have a high genetic susceptibility to aggressive periodontitis. Many studies have shown that genetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease. In this case, the manifestation of aggressive periodontitis is believed to be the result of genetic mutation, combined with environmental factors. Secondary features
Secondary features are characteristics which are frequently seen but not always present in every patient diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis. The severity of periodontal tissue destruction is out of proportion to amount of bacteria present.The amount of bacteria is often indicated by the level of dental plaque. This feature implies that when aggressive periodontitis is present, loss of attachment and bone loss tend to occur even if the plaque level is low. High levels of Aggregatibacter (or Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans and, in some populations, Porphyromonas gingivalis.These gram-negative microbes are considered the chief aetiological agent of aggressive periodontitis.
In GAP, generalized bone destruction is present that ranges from mild crestal bone resorption to severe alveolar bone destruction, depending on the severity of the disease. There may be a combination of vertical and horizontal bone loss defects. Screening
Early diagnosis of aggressive periodontitis is important as it can cause rapid permanent destruction of the periodontal tissues. It is essential that all patients undergo a routine periodontal examination to screen for any form of periodontal disease during a dental checkup. Clinical examination
At the start of the clinical examination of the gingival and periodontal tissues, the dental practitioner would look at the appearance of the gingiva first. A healthy periodontium in a Caucasian would appear stippled and pink with a knife edge margin where it abuts the tooth (pigmentation may differ in other races). After that, gingival probing depths would be checked. This would normally be carried out using a basic periodontal probe (WHO CPI). On probing, patients with AgP should have evidence of significant periodontal pocket depths and loss of attachment (LOA). Dental practitioners should also be aware of false pocketing around erupting/newly erupted teeth in the mixed dentition phase and also in the presence of gingival inflammation. The presence of bleeding on probing (BOP) should be noted which is an indicator of active disease. Radiographs
Radiographic assessment should be carried out for patients with evidence of periodontitis to observe alveolar bone levels which can help to identify signs of AgP.