What is the treatment of periodontal diseases?
The main cause of the appearance of periodontal diseases is an excessive accumulation of bacteria (bacterial plaque or dental biofilm) and calculus (tartar) on the teeth and gums due to insufficient or incorrect hygiene. These bacteria and calculus cause, initially, an inflammation with redness and bleeding of the gums (gingivitis), which if left untreated can cause serious damage to the teeth and their supporting tissues, leading to tooth loss.
The treatment of periodontal diseases, although they have a fairly standardized protocol, differs in each case depending on the type, degree, stage of the disease and the patient’s state of health, so it has to be individualized for each patient. In the case of gingivitis, the treatment in most cases usually consists of a thorough cleaning of the mouth in the dental clinic with the appropriate instruments. The dentist and/or hygienist removes all the bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) accumulated between the teeth and then gives the patient advice on how to take care of their oral hygiene at home and avoid the factors that favor the accumulation of bacteria and tartar.
In the case of periodontitis, the treatment is more complex, as it is a more serious disease. As with gingivitis, the initial treatment usually consists of a thorough cleaning of the mouth in the dental clinic, which is complemented with scaling and root planing treatments that remove bacteria and calculus under the gums. In the case of advanced and/or aggressive periodontitis, minor surgical procedures will be required to remove what is left under the gums in order to slow down the progression of the disease and even correct the bone and esthetic defects that the disease may have caused.
In which cases will treatment be recommended and why?
Treatment will be recommended in all cases. In the case of gingivitis because this is a reversible process and we will prevent the possible progression to periodontitis, which is already a chronic and irreversible disease, although this can be stopped with proper periodontal treatment.
In the case of periodontitis, treatment is also recommended in all cases, because if we allow it to evolve, it can lead to the possible loss of teeth. Moreover, nowadays, many studies carried out in world-renowned research centers indicate that taking care of the gums helps us to maintain general health.
In fact, periodontitis is considered a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, some types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases (such as myocardial infarction or stroke) and premature birth in pregnant women. The link between periodontal diseases and general diseases is associated with increased inflammatory mediators in periodontitis that circulate throughout the body.
Can other treatment be used before resorting to periodontics?
No, the only thing that can be done and that is recommended is prevention, through good oral hygiene by the patient and regular periodontal maintenance at least twice a year. The patient should take responsibility for his or her daily oral and periodontal hygiene through proper tooth brushing and interdental brushing by flossing and/or using interdental brushes at least twice a day.