PERIODONTOLOGY

Periodontology is a branch of dental medicine that deals with preserving the health of the supporting apparatus of the teeth. The supporting apparatus is the surrounding bone, gums (gingiva) and the periodontal ligament that holds the tooth to the bone.

According to some research, 75% of the adult population has signs of periodontal disease, independent of their race and socioeconomic status. Of these, almost 30% have severe forms and chronic periodontitis. This is the most common reason for tooth loss amongst adults. Research has shown there are connections between periodontal disease and other conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and pulmonary disease. Untreated periodontitis in pregnancy has also been associated with a lower birth weight of newborns and early birth.

How does periodontitis arise?

The basic factors for the development of periodontitis isan increasing number of bacteria in the mouth, and an inadequate immunological response by the host. The increasing number of bacteria may be due to poor maintenance of oral hygiene or reduced secretion of saliva, which has a natural protective function. The immunological response of the host weakens under the influence of different systematic diseases, due to stress, or from smoking. The consequence of these factors is the occurrence of periodontal disease, which leads to inflammation and decay of the supportive apparatus of teeth, primarily the bone, gums and periodontal ligaments.

In the early phases of the disease, there are no symptoms, and this is why it is important to make regular visits to the dentist, in order to discover the disease as early as possible. The earlier periodontal disease is discovered, the greater the possibility for treatment and the more teeth can be saved.

How is periodontitis treated?

The objective of treating periodontitis is to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, to remove the biofilm (organised structure of bacteria on teeth) off the surface of teeth, and to improve the immunological response of the host, in order to prevent the disease from advancing.

Good oral hygiene and regular professional plaque removal are key for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis. Brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste is necessary at least twice a day, with the mandatory use of dental floss or a water shower (to clean the narrow spaces between the teeth) and interdental brush (for the wider spaces between the teeth).

Initial periodontal therapy involves removal of dental plaque and deposits on the teeth, above and below the gumline, using an ultrasonic apparatus. This is followed by deep mechanical cleaning and polishing of the tooth roots.

Periodontal and surgical therapy is indicated for advanced cases of periodontitisasit enables access and removal of deposits from teeth in deep periodontal pockets. The use of regenerative surgical procedures enables the supporting apparatus of the teeth to be regenerated. This procedure can improve the long-term prognosis of teeth affected by periodontitis. Itis also used to restore the aesthetically acceptable anatomy of teeth and the surrounding gums. Periodontal disease can lead to the retraction of the gums, increasing the sensitivity of tooth roots, and the use of regenerative periodontal therapy can help to cover the tooth roots, thereby reducing their sensitivity.

At RepićDental Centre, we perform the professional removal of tooth deposits and plaque using sonic and ultrasonic instruments, sanding and polishing. We also perform initial periodontal therapy and periodontal surgical procedures as needed to keep your teeth fully functional for as long as possible.

How to recognise the signs of periodontitis:

• Bleeding of the gums
• Swelling of the gums, redness and pain
• Retraction of the gums
• Secretion or pus from the gums
• Tooth migration and increased spaces between the teeth
• Loosening of the teeth
• Bad breath