Periodontology
Periodontology
What is Periodontology?
Periodontology is the discipline of dentistry that treats the tissues of the “periodontium”, i.e. the set of anatomical structures that support the teeth and keep them permanently linked to the maxillary and
mandibular bones.
The periodontium consists of:
Gums – Soft tissue that surrounds the teeth, representing the outermost side of the periodontium. Periodontal Ligaments – Connective tissue that joins the tooth roots to the alveolar bone tissue. Root Cement – Hard tissue that surrounds the tooth roots.
Alveolar bone – Bone tissue that houses the roots of the tooth, which depending on the arch can be mandibular or maxillary.
Periodontal therapy serves to keep the tissues of the periodontium healthy and intervene promptly to counteract periodontal diseases.
Periodontal disease damages the entire supporting structure of the teeth, ultimately causing the teeth loss. Periodontics is essential to stop degenerative processes of the periodontium: interrupting the causes of periodontal disease allows to stop the degeneration of the tooth support tissues, allowing the patient to keep their natural teeth.
If the periodontal disease has caused the loss of dental elements, it is possible to intervene (after having sanitized and restored the periodontal tissues) with the insertion of dental implants, restoring full functionality and aesthetic health for the patient.
Diseases of the Periodontium
Let’s see the most common diseases that can afflict the periodontium:
Gingivitis – Gingivitis is a common and mild form of periodontal disease that causes irritation, redness and swelling of the gums. If left unopposed, gingivitis can evolve and lead to more serious periodontal diseases such as periodontitis.
The main cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, which facilitates the proliferation of bacteria (plaque which becomes tartar if not removed). If you notice symptoms such as bad breath, swollen, red, easily bleeding gums, and gingival recession (gums receding, showing the tooth roots), we advise you to book an appointment with a dentis specialized in periodontics.
Periodontitis / Pyorrhea – Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the periodontal tissues. If left untreated, periodontitis leads to the degeneration of the bone tissues that support the teeth, and consequently to the loss of teeth.
The main cause of periodontitis is the proliferation of bacterial biofilm, which causes chronic inflammation of the periodontal tissues.
If you notice symptoms such as bleeding gums, tooth hypersensitivity (perception of pain as a result of tactile or thermal dental stimuli), receding gums (gums appearing away from the teeth, exposing their roots) or tooth mobility (feeling that the teeth are loose and move for example when chewing), it is strongly recommended to book an appointment with a dentist specialized in periodontology.
Periodontology at Di Gioia Dental Studio
At Di Gioia Dental Practice, periodontology therapies are performed by Dr. Claudio Di Gioia, a dentist for over 25 years, with experience as university professor and specialized in Implantology and Periodontology.
Dr. Claudio Di Gioia performs conservative and surgical periodontics treatments.
Conservative Therapy is performed when the periodontal disease is in an initial stage, and therefore the treatment requires less invasive treatments:
Subgingival Cleaning (Scaling) – Periodontics technique that serves to remove plaque and tartar that have lodged under the gumline.
Root planing (Root Planing) – Periodontology technique that serves to remove the layer damaged by plaque and tartar bacteria from the dental roots.
Prescription of Antibiotics – Using antibiotics helps control and counteract the action of bacteria. Surgical Therapy is performed when the periodontal disease is in an advanced stage, and therefore the treatment requires more important care.
Mucogingival Surgery – Periodontics technique that has the purpose to strengthen the soft tissues damaged by periodontal disease.
Dental Bone Regeneration – Periodontology technique that has the purpose to strengthen bone tissues damaged by periodontal disease. A bone graft is performed which facilitates the regeneration of natural bone.
