Can severe periodontitis be cured?

In general, the treatment outcomes for severe periodontitis vary depending on individual circumstances. If the gums and alveolar bone have not sustained irreversible damage, clinical cure may be achieved through systematic treatment. However, if irreversible damage exists, such as severe gum recession or alveolar bone resorption, complete restoration of health is typically not possible, although treatment can help control the progression of the disease.

If a patient with severe periodontitis has not developed irreversible damage to the gums and alveolar bone, pharmacological treatment and subgingival scaling can effectively remove pathogenic factors such as dental plaque and calculus, thereby improving the health of the periodontal tissues and potentially achieving complete resolution. Periodontal tissues have a certain regenerative capacity; systematic treatment can lead to partial recovery of periodontal tissues, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life.

If a patient with severe periodontitis presents with gum recession or alveolar bone resorption, these are considered irreversible damages that generally cannot be completely cured. At this stage, the primary treatment goals are to control inflammation, prevent further destruction of periodontal tissues, and attempt to restore dental stability. Treatment for severe periodontitis requires long-term commitment, and if patients discontinue or reduce medication without medical advice, it may result in incomplete treatment and failure of periodontal tissues to fully recover. The specific treatment outcome is also influenced by factors such as the patient's age and overall health status.

The effectiveness of treatment for severe periodontitis depends on multiple factors, including the severity of the condition, patient compliance, and the timeliness and completeness of the treatment. Although severe periodontitis can be controlled and improved, complete recovery to a healthy state may be difficult, especially when alveolar bone resorption has already occurred. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimizing tissue damage and enhancing treatment success rates.