Juvenile periodontitis - healing following therapy to control inflammatory and traumatic etiologic components of the disease.

A case of localized juvenile periodontitis with bone loss affecting molars and premolars with advanced destruction around the lower first molars is described. These lesions were associated with areas of excess occlusal trauma. The ramifications of combined therapy aimed at the elimination and control of both the inflammatory and occlusal components of the disease are discussed relative to the successful treatment of this case. A description of the periodontal status of a sibling of the patient has been included. Extensive defects are associated with the anterior teeth and in this case the patient presented with excessive trauma in the anterior region. Considering the localities of the disease and the similarities between the inflammatory components in both cases, a link between occlusal trauma and juvenile periodontitis is discussed.