PERIODONTOLOGY
PERIODONTOLOGY
Periodontology is a branch of dental medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the supporting tissues of the teeth.
What leads to inflammation of periodontal tissues?
Periodontal tissues include the gingiva (gum), bone, and periodontal ligament.
Plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth lead to inflammation that destroys the supporting tissues of the teeth.
Swelling, discolored gums, and gum bleeding are early signs of periodontal inflammation. Later signs are the formation of periodontal pockets, retraction of the gums, tooth mobility, and bad breath.
Periodontal diseases can be divided into two major groups: GINGIVITIS and PERIODONTITIS.
- GINGIVITIS is an inflammatory change of the gums, and if the process spreads and affects deeper structures, we are talking about periodontitis.
It is caused by the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth with inflammation, redness, and bleeding from the gingiva. People with poor oral hygiene are more susceptible to gingivitis, but certain factors such as pregnancy, puberty, orthodontic anomalies, or wearing inappropriate prostheses also lead to its development.
- PERIODONTITIS is a chronic progressive disease that affects the gums and bone that supports the teeth, which can eventually lead to complete tooth loss. The clinical picture of this disease is different, it is followed by phases of remission (improvement) and phases of activity.
Due to all the above, we approach the treatment of periodontal patients with special caution, monitoring their condition in a series of annual examinations.
