Periodontology is the dental branch that deals with the treatment of diseases of the periodontium, which is the anatomical-functional unit that supports the tooth.
Periodontal disease has several stages, it is primarily a bacterial disease that also has a genetic component, closely related to the patient's habits (smoking, poor oral hygiene). It is important to book a visit to the specialist at the first signs of symptoms to avoid the progression of the disease.
The main symptoms of this disease are easy for the patient to recognize and can be:
Bone loss leads to increased mobility of the tooth, which, over time, can result in tooth loss.
There are fundamentally two approaches to periodontal therapy, basically conditioned by the stage of its progression.
When periodontal disease has not yet affected the bone, therapy consists of accurate and special cleaning procedures of your teeth and gums (scaling and root planning), followed by periodic oral hygiene maintenance visits (every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the situation).
Non-surgical periodontal therapy includes all procedures aimed at removing bacterial plaque and tartar deposited beneath the gums in the so-called periodontal pockets.
These infectious agents come into contact with the dental roots, jawbone, and gums, and their persistence over time can compromise the stability of the teeth.
Non-surgical periodontal therapy ranges from normal tartar removal using ultrasound to the use of curettes for scaling and root planning.
Following the evaluation of the depth of periodontal pockets, the procedure is carried out in a minimally invasive way using sharp curettes. These instruments reach the pockets beneath the gums, performing root smoothing to remove tartar debris and make the surfaces smoother, thus allowing the gums to heal and the pockets to disappear.
In certain cases, non-surgical therapy also includes the use of diode lasers or antibiotic and antiseptic agents to promote bacterial decontamination.
The treatment is performed in 2-3 sessions, followed by regular maintenance sessions.
Anesthesia is not necessary in most cases. Since the procedures are minimally invasive and atraumatic, there is no pain.
When periodontal disease is advanced and has caused bone resorption with defects and periodontal pockets, it is necessary to intervene with open curettage or small regenerative or resective surgical procedures, depending on the case and the dentist’s indications.
Surgical periodontal therapy involves performing a more thorough cleaning of the gums and dental roots. It can be done throughout the mouth or only in those areas where periodontal disease is more severe.
Through surgical access to the gums, a deep cleaning is performed, removing all the factors that cause periodontal disease.
Surgery is preferable when traditional hygiene procedures (teeth cleaning, etc.) are insufficient, or in cases of bone resorption and deep periodontal pockets.
In cases of significant bone resorption, periodontal surgery also includes regenerative surgery. Techniques and materials (bone substitutes, stem cells, etc.) are used to rebuild the bone lost around natural teeth.
Periodontal surgery involves the detachment of the gums and removal of plaque, tartar, or inflammatory tissue using special instruments (curettes).
Periodontal surgical procedures are performed in a minimally invasive manner and under anesthesia. This ensures that pain and discomfort for the patient are eliminated. For anxious patients, conscious sedation can be used.
Although it is applied in various fields of dentistry, the diode laser represents a perfect tool for the conservative, effective, and precise management of periodontal tissues.
As in implantology, modern technologies allow us to regenerate lost bone and ensure perfect healing above it, thanks to highly biocompatible materials.
Only the choice of high-quality materials and cutting-edge technologies ensures that we can treat you to the fullest potential of this science.
One such technology is the centrifugation device for blood samples. Thanks to this technology, we maximize the high regenerative capacity represented by growth factors and stem cells, which are present only in certain parts of your centrifuged blood sample. The result of periodontal treatment will thus be better and longer-lasting.
Our center's periodontist, Dr. Mattia Pitino, graduated in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics in 2010. He specialized in Periodontology at New York University and has attended courses and seminars with renowned speakers, including Dr. Giano Ricci in Florence.
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