Periodontology

Periodontology is a branch of dentistry that deals with the study, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting structures of the teeth, known as periodontal tissues. These tissues include the gums, cementum, alveolar bone (which forms the socket for the tooth), and the ligaments that connect the tooth to the bone.

One of the most common periodontal diseases is gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque, a soft film that forms on the teeth due to the action of bacteria. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to a more serious form, known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is characterized by deepening of the pockets between the gums and the teeth, loss of bone tissue and undermining of tooth stability.

One of the key aspects of periodontology is prevention, and regular maintenance of oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist or periodontist, play a crucial role in preventing periodontal diseases. Educating patients on proper tooth cleaning techniques and the importance of regular checkups is key to maintaining oral health.

Periodontal treatments include scaling, known as scaling and curettage, which removes bacterial and tartar deposits from the pockets between the teeth and gums. In some cases, antibiotic therapy is also administered to control the bacterial infection.

In situations where periodontal disease has taken hold and there has been a significant loss of bone tissue, a periodontist may recommend surgical procedures such as bone tissue regeneration or placement of artificial supplements. These procedures are aimed at restoring support for the teeth and preserving oral health.

Periodontology also includes an aesthetic aspect, where periodontal surgeons deal with shaping and restoring the gums in order to achieve balance and symmetry between the gums and teeth. These procedures contribute not only to the functionality, but also to the aesthetics of the smile.

Periodontology is a key discipline that deals with preserving the health of the supporting structures of the teeth, and plays a key role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases in order to preserve oral health and contribute to the general well-being of patients.

Proodontal surgery

Periodontal surgery includes a series of surgical procedures that are applied in order to diagnose, prevent and treat problems related to the supporting structures of the teeth, i.e. periodontal tissues. This type of surgery plays a key role in preserving oral health, solving serious periodontal diseases, and improving the functionality and aesthetics of the oral cavity.

Here are some common procedures that periodontal surgery involves:

1. Pocket surgery: In the case of deepening pockets between the gums and teeth, which is often a consequence of periodontitis, a periodontist can perform pocket surgery. This procedure involves removing infected tissues, cleaning the roots of the teeth and shaping the gums to reduce the depth of the pockets.
2. Surgical tooth removal: When a tooth is severely damaged or there is a need to remove it for orthodontic or other surgical reasons, a periodontist can perform a surgical tooth removal. This procedure may involve cutting the gum or removing part of the bone to allow easier access to the tooth.
3. Flap surgery: In some cases, patients may have irregularities in the shape of the gums that affect the aesthetics of the smile. Flap surgery is applied to shape the gums, reduce irregularities and achieve harmonious symmetry between the gums and teeth.
4. Surgical implant placement: When missing teeth need to be replaced, surgical placement of dental implants is a common procedure. This process involves placing titanium screws into the bone to create a solid foundation for later placement of artificial teeth.
5. Bone tissue regeneration: In situations where there has been a loss of bone tissue due to periodontal diseases, periodontal surgery can include bone tissue regeneration procedures. This may include the use of grafts or the use of bone growth stimulators to encourage bone growth and repair.

Periodontal surgery is often performed under local anesthesia to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Also, modern techniques and technologies enable precision and faster recovery after surgical interventions.

This form of surgery is crucial for maintaining oral health, preventing the progression of periodontal diseases and providing patients with a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are still crucial in maintaining the health of the supporting structures of the teeth.