Periodontology is the branch of dentistry aimed at the treatment of periodontal disease. This pathology, if not adequately treated, is one of the main causes of the loss of dental elements and can be associated with other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardio vascular diseases.
Basically, it occurs when an accumulation of bacterial plaque is formed to allow the prevalence of "harmful" bacterial populations in the gingival sulcus. These bacteria are therefore able to sustain a real infection, and consequently, to provoke the stimulation of our immune system.
This process has the consequence of the establishment of a defensive inflammatory process that is usually chronic.
The inflammatory process generally affects the tooth support apparatus. Only the gingiva may be affected, in this case gingivitis will form; if, on the other hand, the underlying structures, bone and periodontal ligaments are also affected, periodontitis will be formed.
Periodontal disease is often silent, ie it does not involve particular symptoms - especially pain - if not at an advanced stage of the disease. However, there are clear signs that, at a careful visit, allow a precise diagnosis to be made in adequate time for the treatment of the disease:
This is the mildest form of periodontal disease. The gums appear reddened, swollen, and bleed easily. Symptoms are scarce and do not go beyond a modest tenderness. Gingivitis is commonly caused by insufficient oral hygiene. Factors that can contribute to gingivitis include diabetes, smoking, systemic diseases, stress, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, substance abuse, HIV infection, and the use of certain medications. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and adequate home oral hygiene maneuvers.
Gingivitis is a reversible phenomenon easily curable by a non-surgical professional treatment and adequate home oral hygiene maneuvers.
It is the most severe form of the disease treated in periodontology: it is characterized not only by the typical signs of gingivitis, but also by the destruction, either partially or completely, of the support system of the dental elements.
Of course! However, it is necessary to proceed with the elimination of what has caused periodontal disease, bacterial infection, and subsequently to undergo periodontal therapies able to eliminate defects in the supporting tissues of the tooth (bone and periodontal ligament) that periodontitis typically causes.
Our periodontal treatments for periodontitis care are based on the belief that periodontal health must be achieved through the least invasive and most convenient treatment. This is often achieved through non-surgical periodontal treatment. However, the limitations of non-surgical treatment must be kept in mind: only when it does not reach periodontal health, then surgery may be indicated to restore healthy periodontal structures.