Periodontology - Questions & Answers
Periodontitis is the colloquial, historical name for periodontal disease and is not considered the correct name for the disease entity today. The correct name for the most common periodontal disease is periodontitis, or periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when inflammation expands and affects more than just the soft tissues surrounding the tooth (i.e., the gums), and leads to loss of alveolar bone.
Periodontal diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that destroy the tissues that hold the teeth in the alveoli. They are common - estimated to affect 50% of adults - and are the leading cause of tooth loss. They poorly affect nutrition, general health, speech and facial appearance, and thus significantly reduce quality of life.
Periodontal disease can be effectively treated, but the success of therapy does not depend on the doctor alone. The doctor carries out the therapeutic procedures, but the responsibility for the outcome rests equally with him and the patient. This is due to the need to maintain perfect oral hygiene.
Treatment usually begins with the elimination of bacteria during scaling, which is a professional procedure to remove plaque deposits and calculus, along with smoothing the surface of the tooth. In addition, the doctor may recommend preparations in the form of rinses and gels with antiseptic properties. In the case of more advanced forms of periodontitis, it is possible to perform specialized periodontal treatments, such as non-surgical periodontal treatment, surgical treatment of deep pockets by precisely cleaning them during the procedure, regeneration of periodontal tissues with the use of biomaterials. The success of the therapy is ensured by constant control of the disease in the dental office usually once every six months.
Periodontal disease is a multifactorial condition, but the primary trigger is always plaque bacteria. Reduced diligence in oral hygiene leads to a greater accumulation of bacterial plaque and the development of inflammation. The mechanism of inflammation in the periodontium is very similar to that of caries and is a direct result of a lack of proper hygiene. However, completely healthy teeth do not guarantee us a healthy periodontium, as there are additional risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis or stress. It is worth noting that even if a dental check-up shows the absence of carious cavities, but is accompanied, for example, by bleeding gums when brushing at home, it means that we need to consult a hygienist, dentist or periodontal specialist.
Periodontal disease is not a contraindication to the use of implants in a patient with missing teeth, but it does require treatment. When planning implants, it is important to remove all factors that cause gingivitis or periodontitis, as they can cause the same inflammatory process in the soft tissues surrounding the implants.
Prevention of periodontal disease is crucial from childhood. The primary method is proper daily oral hygiene at home and regular check-ups at the dentist's office along with periodic professional teeth cleaning.
If left untreated, periodontitis inevitably leads to bone base defects, resulting in tooth loosening and loss.
