What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is the Dentistry branch that diagnoses and treats diseases affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth (gum and jawbone). The most common periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis (often known as "pyorrhea").

They are diseases caused by an infection, that means that they are caused by some bacteria we all have in the mouth, around the teeth. If we do not eliminate them effectively, they proliferate and can even reach inside the gums where brushing has no effect.

What is Gingivitis? 

Gingivitis is gum inflammation, and it causes them to increase in size, it makes them change color and bleed easily: may it be spontaneously, chewing certain foods or during brushing.

Gingivitis is reversible, but it requires dental treatment to recover. Oral hygiene performed by a dental hygienist or by a dentist and correct habits of daily oral hygiene (brushing and rinsing with mouthwash) are usually enough. Keep in mind that healthy gums do not bleed . 

What is Periodontitis? 

With Periodontitis the bone around the tooth painlessly disintegrates, and it finally leads to tooth loss if not treated on time.

It has been proved that there is a genetic predisposition to the disease (as for the individual's resistance to disease) and there are a number of factors that influence its evolution, such as: hygiene habits, tobacco, stress, poorly controlled diabetes, pregnancy…

It can be stated, therefore, that Periodontitis is a disease, not a natural process of aging against which we cannot do anything. It affects 3 out of 4 adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss (ahead of tooth decay).

Treatment

It is possible to stop the disease progression with treatment, but it is very difficult to recover a lost bone, therefore it is very important to diagnose it as soon as possible.

The treatment is based on the scaling and mechanical disinfection through hand and ultrasonic instruments. This treatment is painless as it is performed under local anesthesia.

After the treatment it is very important for the patient to adopt good oral hygiene habits and to attend check ups and periodic visits that will be recommended.