Periodontics
Periodontal diseases are conditions of the gums and the periodontium (the ligamentous tissue that connects the tooth to the alveolar bone). They are infectious in nature and are caused by the presence of subgingival dental calculus and of certain bacteria with an aggressive potential. The periodontal patient often has a genetically determined predisposition, being prone to the development of periodontal disease.
A very important approach for patients with these predispositions is correct hygiene and careful monitoring in collaboration with the treating dentist, prevention being more important than treatment. The lack of appropriate treatment leads to irreversible effects: loss of teeth, loss of bone structures and of soft tissues.
In incipient cases, correct hygiene is sufficient, accompanied by periodic scaling and constant monitoring, while for advanced cases procedures such as the following are required: subgingival curettage, open-flap surgical curettage, guided bone and tissue regeneration, accompanied by systemic drug treatment and immobilisation of the affected teeth.
