Aggressive periodontitis – a review

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease which usually affects clinically healthy individuals. The aggressive form, previously known as juvenile periodontitis, affects alveolar bone, connective tissue and tooth supporting tissue. It results in loss of teeth. This devastating loss of esthetics and oral function, affects younger patient’s mental health which is treated by invasive and costly treatment such as implants. Recent diagnostic tools and biomarker were proven to minimize the disease progression and limiting it in early stage. Bone augmentation and flap surgery is found to be beneficial and minimized the necessity of dental implants. Recently advanced cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging and analysis of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarkers are proven as a highly effective diagnostic tool. Recent research about the pathophysiology of the disease, microbial and genetic association is also noticed.