Diabetes Monitor - Advanced Periodontitis

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Publication Date: 6/1/2004

This webpage is part of a series about detection and prevention of periodontal disease in diabetes

As periodontal disease advances, there is increasing resorption of the alveolar bone and loss of tooth attachment, making extraction necessary if the disease remains untreated.

Illustration and photograph of advanced periodontis

This is an x-ray of a 25-year-old woman 3 years before she was diagnosed with diabetes. Little or no periodontal disease is evident.

x-ray of a 25-year-old woman prior to diagnosis with NIDDM

An x-ray at the time of diagnosis of NIDDM illustrates severe destruction of the alveolar bone that has led to rapid migration of teeth and severe involvement of the molar teeth.

x-ray of same woman at the time of diagnosis with NIDDM

A clinical photograph of the preceding patient exhibiting multiple periodontal abscesses, flaring of the anterior teeth, and granulomatous tissue around the margins of some teeth.

photograph of same woman exhibiting multiple periodontal abcesses, tooth flaring, and granulomatous tissue

Periodontal disease is correlated with diabetic control. This 45-year-old woman has had NIDDM for 3 years. Her diabetic control is poor, and her periodontal disease is severe.

Photograph of severe periodontal disease in patient who has had NIDDM for three years.

Although highly prevalent, not everyone has periodontitis. This elderly individual with diabetes has retained natural dentition and healthy periodontium, due in large part to the team effort of the patient and the professional.

Photograph of patient with diabetes who was able to avoid periodontis through an effort of herself and her dentist.

From the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Detection and Prevention of Periodontal Disease in Diabetes
June 1994
http://www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov/pubs/perdiab/advanced/index.html