Parodontology
Parodontology treats periodontitis, a disease that affects the supporting tissues of the tooth and manifests itself clinically mainly with the following signs: bleeding, recurrent abscesses, halitosis, dental hyper-mobility.
Periodontitis is, in scientific terms, the inflammation of the periodontium, that is, of everything around the roots of the teeth (gums, alveolo-dental ligaments, alveoli and bone apparatus). Inflammation almost always due to poor or incorrect dental hygiene which, if prolonged over time, becomes chronic causing the detachment of the gums from the teeth and giving rise to the formation of the so-called "periodontal pockets" which in turn cause damage to the alveolar bone with the consequent reduction in its height. If chronicisation occurs, the teeth begin to wobble and if no urgent intervention is made using appropriate methods, the teeth concerned will inevitably fall out.
The modern techniques of treatment developed by parantology are represented by a system of hygiene customized according to the case, in order to restore and maintain the support in conditions of stability.
Gingival recessions can be a serious aesthetic problem, especially when the anterior sectors are affected. These problems, possibly associated with hyper-sensitivity, can be resolved by surgically increasing the level of root coverage.
What are the premonitory symptoms of periodontal disease?
Gingival inflammation, which affects about 50% of adults, very often begins with simple bleeding of the gums during daily tooth cleaning or chewing of particularly solid foods;
swelling of the gums, which become increasingly sensitive to contact with the toothbrush and food;
halitosis, i.e. stinking breath and distortion of gustative sensitivity;
the apparent lengthening of the teeth (determined by the retraction of the gums and bone resorption).
What are the main causes of periodontal disease?
What are the main causes of periodontal disease?
Poor oral hygiene, with a consequent increase in the bacterial plaque, which can creep deeper and deeper, almost like a wedge, between the gums and the root surface of the teeth and thus becomes less and less attackable by the toothbrush and dental floss;
A genetic predisposition, that is an immune system not sufficiently developed and able to attack the bacterial flora concerned;
Diabetes mellitus, if not adequately compensated;
bad habit of smoking.
What other risks may be associated with periodontitis?
Possible worsening of osteoporosis;
increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases;
an increased risk for apoplectic shock;
an increased risk of heart attack;
an increased risk of premature birth:
worsening of diabetes mellitus.
What and how many phases are there for the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease?
The practice for the treatment of all patients with periodontal disease includes a diagnostic phase for a complete evaluation of the state of health of the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. The first step in this evaluation is to collect a series of measurements by means of the so-called "periodontal survey", i.e. the measurement of a standard set of parameters on each tooth with calibrated instruments (the depth of the groove formed between the gingiva and the tooth surface, the possible retraction of the margin of the gingiva from the original position, dental mobility and others). X-rays are then taken according to protocols that allow a precise evaluation of the existing relationships at the level of the skeletal tissues and the roots of the teeth. The information gathered at the first visit serves to orient towards the most suitable type of preliminary or initial therapy, i.e. the control of the present and active inflammation. The initial therapy usually involves the removal of bacterial plaque and tartar present at the level above and below the gum during one or more appointments depending on the situation (usually 4 appointments in a patient with a diffuse periodontal problem. After this initial phase there is a diagnostic phase of reassessment, in which the parameters already evaluated and measured in the first visit are analyzed again for a diagnostic evaluation of comparison with the initial picture. In the majority of patients, the initial therapy is able to produce significant improvements. Where lesions remain, especially at the bone level, as a result of the previous untreated periodontal disease, a further phase of therapy will be necessary to correct the defects still present. Periodontal therapies at this point