What is Periodontics?
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that is responsible for the treatment of periodontal disease, which affects the supporting tissues of the tooth and can cause the loss of teeth.
Periodontal disease is caused by anaerobic bacteria that reside in most people, but it affects those with a specific genetic load with a higher incidence. Other factors that influence its development are associated diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, among others.
Stress and habits such as tobacco consumption or poor hygiene techniques can also affect the progression of the disease. Furthermore, periodontics is related to cardiovascular diseases, which can aggravate their development.
An early diagnosis and treatment plan are essential to combat periodontics, which is the main cause of tooth loss today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs associated with Periodontitis
- Sensitivity to cold.
- Bleeding gums during brushing.
- Tooth mobility.
- Sensation of longer teeth or more space between them.
Factors that influence the disease
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental factors: tobacco, oral hygiene...
- States of decreased defenses: illness. autoimmune, diabetes.
Treatment Phases
Periodontal Study
- Photos
- Models
- radiographic series
- Microbiological study
Scaling and root planing
Treatment of periodontal disease in the initial phase, when there is already loss of alveolar bone but the periodontal pocket is treatable without the need to open the gum. It is like a deep cleaning that aims to remove the subgingival calculus and eliminate the inflammation tissue caused by it.
Periodontal Surgery
Set of minimally invasive techniques that aim to stop the advance of periodontics in a more advanced state, modifying the anatomy around the teeth and eliminating the bacteria that cause this disease.
- Apical replacement surgery.
- Gingivectomy
- coronary lengthening
- furcation tunneling
Periodontal plastic surgery
It is the set of techniques that seek to modify the so-called pink aesthetics of the mouth. The aim is to create a harmonious gum level around the teeth that improves aesthetics and preserves the health of our teeth. This level of gum is treatable by performing certain techniques such as:
- Gingivectomy
- Connective tissue graft
- Free gum graft
- Pedicle graft
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodic check-ups, between 4 to 6 months, in which we review the patient's periodontal status and, if necessary, a small tartrectomy is performed to prevent the disease from reactivating.
