Localized Juvenile Periodontitis

Localized Juvenile Periodontitis

Define aggressive periodontitis (local juvenile periodontitis). Write in detail on the etiology behind local juvenile periodontitis and elaborate on its clinical features, radiological features and treatment plan.
Answer.

Etiology of Local Juvenile Periodontitis

Microbiological

Presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a key factor which present in high numbers. Virulence factors produced by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans such as leucotoxin, lipopolysaccharide, proteases, collagenases, surface associated material affect immune response and lead to connective tissue destruction and bone resorption.

Immunological

• Defective chemotaxis due to functional defect in polymor-phoneutrophils.
• Presence of hyper-responsive monocytes which increases prostaglandin IL-1α and IL-1β production which causes bone resorption.

Genetic

• Familial aggregation is seen.
• As there is presence of specific gene which causes neutrophil abnormalities.
• Transmission through autosomal dominant mode of inheritance.

Environmental

Smoking causes progression of generalized aggressive periodontitis.

Current Concept

• Aggressive form of periodontitis is a multifactorial disease developing as a result of complex interaction between specific host genes and the environment.
• Interaction between disease process, environment and genetically controlled modifying factors contribute to specific clinical manifestations of the disease.