Periodontics is the treatment of dentistry that consists of the correction of hygiene techniques for the control of bacterial plaque and the elimination of the factors that trigger it, which are dental calculus or tartar and periodontal pockets.
Currently, given the development of implantology, periodontics also has the function of prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases. Peri-implantitis is the infection of the tissues around a dental implant, which can cause deterioration and loss of the bone that supports the implant.
Finally, periodontics also includes mucogingival surgery, which is the specialty of dentistry that deals with root coverage, as well as gingival augmentation in cases of gum defect or lack of gum.
When you need periodontics
Bad oral hygiene habits, poor brushing technique, smoking habits, etc…. They cause accumulation of food debris and other irritants that favor the proliferation of bacteria that produce chemicals that inflame and irritate the gums. Its main symptoms are: frequent bleeding of the gums mainly when brushing, dental mobility and bad breath.
Differences exist between periodontics and endodontics.
Periodontics is the specialty that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues that support the dental organs (gums, periodontal ligament, root cementum and alveolar bone).
However, the main objective of endodontics is the preservation of those dental pieces that have suffered alteration of vitality either by caries or trauma and consists of the removal of the dental pulp and the subsequent sealing of the root canal.
What are the risk factors for gum disease?
The main risk factors are:
- Absence of proper oral hygiene and professional care.
- Genetic predisposition
- Tobacco and alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Badly positioned teeth, misaligned fillings, etc.
- Diseases such as diabetes
- Certain drugs that increase the inflammatory response of the gums.
How can diseases in this area be avoided?
The best way to prevent periodontitis is to maintain proper oral hygiene, to control the levels of dental plaque, but in predisposed people, despite proper oral hygiene, the disease may tend to occur. Personal oral hygiene should be accompanied by regular checkups at the dentist or periodontist so that an early diagnosis of the disease can be made if present.