Periodontology
Specialists in Periodontology
PERIODONTOLOGY
What is periodontology?
At SJD Dentistas, we have specialists in periodontology, a branch of dentistry that focuses on the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. These tissues, collectively known as the periodontium, include the gums, alveolar bone, root cementum, and periodontal ligament.
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that periodontal health plays a fundamental role in preserving teeth throughout life. In fact, one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease, which can manifest in various forms, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Moreover, it’s important to highlight that periodontology encompasses both preventive and therapeutic aspects. On the one hand, preventive measures include promoting proper oral hygiene habits, performing professional dental cleanings, and educating patients on the importance of periodontal health. On the other hand, therapeutic treatments include the removal of tartar and bacterial plaque, correction of bone defects, and regeneration of damaged periodontal tissues.
As a result, periodontists play an essential role in oral health. These specialists undergo additional training after completing their general dentistry studies, enabling them to acquire specific knowledge and skills to successfully address periodontal problems.
It’s also important to mention that periodontology is closely related to other dental disciplines, such as implantology and orthodontics. For example, the success of dental implants largely depends on the patient’s periodontal health, and orthodontic treatments can be affected by the presence of periodontal diseases.
Gingivitis causes inflammation in the gums, while periodontitis is more complex and leads to infections in the bone that supports the teeth and other tissues such as the periodontal ligament and root cementum.
The main causes of these diseases are related to the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth and gums that, over time, can damage the tissues that support the teeth and dental implants. As a result, the gums can become inflamed, bleed, and cause discomfort during brushing or even spontaneously.
There are several factors that can influence the progression of gingivitis to periodontitis. First, the presence of pathogenic bacteria with a higher capacity to cause damage in the mouth is a key factor. Additionally, genetic factors and exposure to stress can also contribute to the development of these conditions.
Smoking is another significant risk factor, as it can negatively affect oral health and increase gum inflammation. Likewise, systemic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or being overweight can have a detrimental effect on periodontal health.
Daily oral hygiene care is essential to prevent the development of these conditions. Poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing teeth or failing to use dental floss and mouthwash, can increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. Furthermore, poor alignment of the teeth and ill-fitting fillings can also favour their onset.
To prevent periodontal disease, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to control bacterial plaque levels.
Regular visits to the periodontist or dentist are also important for early diagnosis in case the disease is detected.
Proper prevention also involves a healthy diet and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, which can worsen the condition.
Additionally, following the specialist’s recommendations regarding the frequency of visits and carrying out specific treatments to control plaque buildup and gum inflammation is essential. This will help prevent the progression of the disease and maintain good long-term oral health.
In short, if you’re looking for a dental clinic in La Laguna or need a dentist in Las Chafiras, SJD Dentistas is a leading clinic in periodontics treatment, offering our patients the best care and technology to ensure their oral health.
What is the treatment for periodontology?
The treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis involves the removal of bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the affected area. In gingivitis, a professional cleaning is performed, while in periodontitis, root scaling and planing are carried out. In some cases, periodontal surgery may be required to remove bacteria and tartar from the roots of the teeth.
It is important to note that, in the case of gingivitis, a preventive treatment may be prescribed, consisting of an annual or semi-annual prophylaxis to thoroughly eliminate plaque and bacteria that could lead to periodontitis in the future. Therefore, prevention and early treatment are essential to avoid the progression of periodontal disease and maintain good oral health.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontics
In this section, we will answer the most important questions that most clients have about periodontics.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
The symptoms of periodontal disease may include redness and bleeding of the gums, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, gum inflammation and recession, the appearance of pus between the teeth and gums, tooth mobility, and changes in bite. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and visit the dentist if any of them are noticed, as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent the progression of the disease and the loss of teeth.
How long does periodontal disease treatment take?
The time required to treat periodontal disease can vary depending on the severity of the case and the patient's response to treatment. In general, the initial treatment for gingivitis may take a few weeks and consists of professional dental cleaning and improvement of home oral hygiene. Treatment for periodontitis is more complex and may require several visits to the periodontist or dentist. In addition to professional dental cleaning and improved home oral hygiene, root scaling and planing, periodontal surgery, or the placement of soft or hard tissue grafts may be necessary. In some cases, treatment may take several months or even years, and the patient will need to attend regular follow-up visits to ensure the disease does not progress.
What factors can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, including:
Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is one of the main causes of periodontal disease, as it allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate in the mouth.
Tobacco: Tobacco is an important risk factor for periodontal disease because it reduces blood flow to the gums and lowers the body's ability to fight infections.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease because they have a weakened immune system and higher blood sugar levels, which can promote bacterial growth in the mouth.
Stress: Stress can affect the immune system and make it more difficult for the body to fight infections, including periodontal disease.
Genetic factors: Periodontal disease can be hereditary, so if someone in your family has suffered from this disease, you may have a higher risk of developing it.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can reduce saliva flow in the mouth and increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
What happens if I don't treat periodontal disease?
If periodontal disease is not treated, the infection can worsen and cause the loss of bone and supporting dental tissue, which may lead to tooth loss. Additionally, chronic inflammation in the mouth can affect overall body health and increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic inflammatory disorders. Therefore, it is important to treat periodontal disease in a timely manner to prevent serious complications.
Is the treatment for periodontal disease painful?
The treatment for periodontal disease should not be painful, as it is carried out with local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort during invasive procedures. However, after treatment, it is common to experience some sensitivity or pain in the gums, which is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to remember that early treatment of periodontal disease can reduce the need for more invasive and potentially painful procedures in the future.
Can I receive periodontal treatment if I am pregnant?
Yes, pregnant women can receive periodontal treatment, but it is important that they do so under medical supervision. Periodontal disease can worsen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, which can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to monitor their oral health and seek treatment if necessary. The dentist or periodontist can take additional precautions to ensure the safety of the fetus during treatment.
Is periodontitis associated with a higher risk of cancer?
There is a correlation between periodontitis and an increased risk of cancer, although a direct causal relationship has not yet been established. It has been found that bacteria accumulating in inflamed gums can spread throughout the body and cause chronic inflammation in other organs, which increases the risk of certain types of cancer. Additionally, patients with periodontitis have been observed to have higher levels of certain inflammatory markers associated with cancer. However, more studies are needed to confirm this association and better understand its mechanism. The most important thing is to properly treat periodontitis and maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of overall health complications.
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