Periodontology
Periodontology focuses on the gingiva, cementum, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and tooth-supporting structure to prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal illnesses. In addition to placing dental implants, periodontists specialize in treating periodontal disorders.
Elements of the Periodontium
The teeth and alveolar bone's tough gingiva protect them from both mechanical damage and microbial infiltration.
During mastication, the periodontal ligament, a group of specialized connective tissue, maintains the tooth root's attachment to the alveolar bone and supports occlusal stresses.
- Cementum: A coating of calcified tooth roots that PDL fibres can adhere to.
- Alveolar Bone: The teeth's structural base is the part of the jawbone that houses the tooth sockets.
Periodontal Disease
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gingiva characterized by swelling, bleeding, and erythema when probed. It can be reversed with good oral hygiene habits and is mostly caused by tooth plaque accumulation.
- Periodontitis: A long-term inflammatory disease that causes the PDL and alveolar bone, which support teeth, to deteriorate. Gingival recession, periodontal pocket, and tooth movement are clinical characteristics.
Etiology and Risk Factors
Bacterial plaque deposition is the primary cause of periodontal disease. However, the incidence of its development is influenced by several risk factors that modulate the disease:
- Poor oral hygiene: When plaque is not adequately controlled, harmful bacteria proliferate and cause periodontal disease.
- Systemic Conditions: Disorders such as diabetes mellitus can exacerbate the damage to the periodontal tissues brought on by altered immune responses. One of the main risk factors that impair immune responses and healing processes is tobacco use.
- Genetic Predisposition: An individual's susceptibility to periodontal diseases may be influenced by genetic predisposition.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis includes a thorough periodontal examination, which covers:
- Clinical Examination: Probing pocket depth measurement, clinical attachment level, and assessment of gingival inflammation.
- Radiographic Assessment: Alveolar bone level measurement to determine the patterns of bone loss.
- Treatment approaches are based on disease severity:
- Non-Surgical Management: Scaling and root planning to remove subgingival plaque and calculus, with the goals of reducing inflammation and pocketing.
- Surgical Interventions: Flap surgery, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration to reconstruct periodontal tissues.
- Maintenance Therapy: Regular maintenance visits for observation of periodontal health and disease reoccurrence prevention.
Prevention
The following are preventive measures:
- Effective Plaque Control: Brush your teeth twice a day and clean your teeth every day to break down plaque biofilm.
- Routine dental visits: A professional cleaning and examination to identify periodontal disease early on.
- Lifestyle changes: To lower the risk factors for periodontal disease, quit smoking and treat systemic conditions.
