Healthy Gums

What is Periodontology?

Periodontology is the specialty that focuses on the treatment and prevention of diseases of the hard and soft tissues (bones and gums) that support the teeth and keep them in position in the jaws. Besides supporting the teeth, the gums and jawbones have some very important functions, such as:
Acting as a shock absorber during biting and chewing, helping to prevent damage to the teeth caused by excessive forces.
Keeping the teeth in their positions so that they work together efficiently and comfortably during chewing. Through this specialty of Dental Medicine, which literally means “around the tooth,” it is also possible to treat gingival disharmonies, whether due to excess or lack of gum tissue.

Pathologies Treated by Periodontology

Periodontal diseases are divided into two main groups: gingivitis and periodontitis. Both consist of inflammations or infections of the tissues around the teeth, resulting from the accumulation of bacteria. While gingivitis is limited to the gums, periodontitis is the advanced stage of periodontal disease, which extends from the gums to the bone.

• Gingivitis Mild:  gingivitis causes little or no pain and can even be imperceptible. In the initial phase, bacteria cause only gum inflammation, so gingivitis is a reversible condition. However, if not treated, gingivitis can become severe. Some possible symptoms include swollen gums that are red, sensitive, or bleed, receding gums, bad breath, bad taste in the mouth, and loose teeth. If this initial condition is not resolved, bacteria can reach the bone, causing periodontitis.
• Periodontitis:  The symptoms of periodontitis are similar to those of gingivitis but also include tooth sensitivity and pain when chewing. This condition leads to a loss of tooth support, causing mobility and, in more severe cases, tooth loss. Stress, smoking, genetic factors, or diseases like diabetes increase the risk of periodontitis. Periodontitis affects more than half of the population and is responsible for most tooth loss in adults. Therefore, periodontal diseases should not be ignored and must be treated as soon as possible to avoid more serious oral problems.
• Mucositis and Peri-implantitis:  The same sequence and severity of disease apply to patients with dental implants. In these cases, the conditions are called mucositis (equivalent to gingivitis) and peri-implantitis (equivalent to periodontitis).

Types of Dental Treatments

A detailed clinical and radiographic examination provides the necessary information to develop a specific and effective treatment plan. Once gingivitis or periodontitis is diagnosed, a treatment to decontaminate the roots and eliminate bacterial plaque and tartar is performed. Patients are also taught the best method for brushing teeth and removing interproximal bacterial plaque (contact zone between the teeth) using dental floss and/or interdental brushes. It is essential that the patient learns to practice proper oral hygiene and maintains it. In more advanced situations, minor surgical procedures may be necessary to access the root surface below the gum line. New surgical techniques allow for more precise, conservative, and regenerative treatment. Finally, the healing process and disease elimination are faster and more effective.

Steps of Periodontal Treatment

1. Diagnosis: In the first consultation, a detailed clinical and radiographic examination is conducted to understand the distribution and severity of the disease, enabling a correct diagnosis and the best treatment plan.
2. Non-Surgical Treatment:  The initial treatment approach is always non-surgical, eliminating all bacterial deposits (bacterial plaque and tartar) attached to the tooth and root surfaces. The patient is also motivated and instructed on proper oral hygiene techniques.
3. Reevaluation:  The reevaluation consultation is conducted about 2 months after the first treatment phase. It assesses the treatment’s effectiveness and defines new strategies if necessary.
4. Maintenance:  After completing the active treatment, the patient moves to a maintenance phase. Maintenance consultations aim to reduce the likelihood of disease progression through periodic monitoring, with the frequency adapted to each case.