Periodontology

Periodontology

Periodontology is a branch of dentistry specializing in the prevention and treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases. The periodontium includes all the tissues surrounding the teeth, such as the gums, bone tissue, and the tooth-supporting apparatus.

The main cause of this disease is poor oral hygiene. Microorganisms present in food remain on the teeth, leading to gum inflammation and the breakdown of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Soft plaque forms on dental calculus, further accelerating gum inflammation. Bacterial plaque around the gingival sulcus causes gingivitis, while the breakdown of this plaque and damage to the bone promote the development of periodontitis

What steps should you take if you have gum disease?

If your gums are bleeding or you notice an unpleasant odor in your mouth, you should consult a periodontist, who will diagnose, treat, or provide preventive care for periodontal diseases.

Professional oral hygiene should be performed every six months by a dental hygienist, who provides periodontitis prevention and helps patients choose and use the right oral care products effectively.

What are the signs of gum inflammation?

Gingivitis: Symptoms of gum inflammation in gingivitis include changes in gum color, occasional bleeding, bad breath, itching, burning, and pain in the gums.

Periodontitis: Over time, dental plaque destroys the connection between the tooth and the gum, which threatens the underlying bone. Periodontitis refers to the inflammation of the bone tissue surrounding the tooth.

Key signs of periodontitis include:

• Bleeding gums
• Formation of gaps between tooth roots and gums due to bone resorption
• Bad breath, itching, and burning in the gums
• Exposure of tooth roots
• Tooth mobility and changes in tooth position
• Pain during flare-ups, swelling of the cheeks, and pus discharge from the gums
• Tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, acidic, or sweet foods, as well as during brushing (hypersensitivity)

Diagnosis of Periodontal Diseases

For the diagnosis of periodontal diseases, a thorough examination is required. This includes measuring the pocket depth at the points where the tooth and gum surfaces meet, assessing the degree of bone loss, and evaluating tooth mobility.

Undoubtedly, panoramic X-rays, periapical radiographs, analysis of dental models, and tests to determine microorganisms’ sensitivity to antibiotics are also necessary. All these procedures are essential to gain a detailed understanding of the condition of the teeth and bone tissue.

If the patient has issues with the heart, thyroid gland, hypertension, diabetes, or osteoporosis, additional consultations with relevant specialists will be required, since periodontal diseases can affect the entire body.

What impact does periodontitis have on the human body?

As already mentioned, the main cause of periodontitis is dental plaque.
The bacteria it contains can also affect other organs. Due to the long-term presence of infection in the periodontal pocket, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, infectious endocarditis, gastritis, and enterocolitis may develop.

On the other hand, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid and adrenal gland disorders, as well as systemic osteoporosis, can in turn contribute to the development of periodontal diseases. Patients with such conditions should undergo regular check-ups with their dentist.

Tooth misalignment

Due to bone deterioration caused by the disease and the chewing process, a patient’s teeth may shift. Therefore, orthodontic devices, such as braces, can also be used when treating periodontitis. Misalignments in patients with periodontitis can be corrected in the shortest possible time.

Periodontitis Treatment

The duration of periodontitis treatment depends on the severity of the inflammation. Typically, treatment occurs in three phases:

Phase 1: This phase involves removing dental plaque, cleaning, and scaling the tooth roots. In addition to traditional treatment methods, ultrasonic techniques are used, which do not require direct contact with the patient’s teeth. Temporary stabilization of shifted teeth is also performed during this phase using special threads, metal wires, or temporary crowns. The first phase lasts from 6 weeks up to 6 months.

Phase 2: The dentist evaluates the results of the initial treatment, including the reduction of each tooth’s pockets, and determines whether surgical intervention is necessary. Surgery is required for complete removal of plaque in hard-to-reach areas of the teeth and roots, as well as to restore bone tissue damaged by inflammation. These procedures are performed under local anesthesia to ensure a painless experience.

Phase 3: This phase is necessary to consolidate treatment results and prevent new plaque formation. To avoid recurrence, patients must undergo preventive procedures and take medications to support oral immunity. Generally, conservative treatment requires following the dentist’s instructions and attending check-ups every 3 months.