What is “Periodontics”?
PERIODONTICS is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the study of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).
GINGIVITIS is an infectious disease that manifests itself by bleeding gums, bad breath, pain or tenderness in the gums,… It is reversible and does not involve bone loss. It may be mild, moderate or severe depending on the degree of inflammation.
PERIODONTITIS or ‘pyorrhea’ is a chronic disease also of infectious origin, which causes bone loss and in the long term, the loss of teeth (if not treated in time).
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Frequently Asked Questions about Periodontitis and Gingivitis
How is gingivitis detected?
Normally, we will detect that we have gingivitis when our gums are irritated, visibly reddened or bleed when brushing, flossing or even eating. In a more severe case, the gums may bleed spontaneously. On many occasions this bleeding is accompanied by bad breath or bad taste in the mouth and sensitivity.
How does gingivitis differ from periodontitis?
The main difference is that gingivitis is reversible, heals and does not involve bone loss. But if treatment is not carried out in time, periodontitis can develop, which, although it can be cured or slowed down, leaves after-effects, producing a loss of the bone that supports the teeth, which translates into gum recession or gaps between the teeth with the sensation of longer teeth.
Therefore, it is very important to go to a specialized periodontics center when we notice bleeding gums, sensitivity, bad breath or we are smokers, since an early diagnosis will save us from suffering the consequences of periodontal disease.
If I take care of dental hygiene, why do I have gingivitis?
Gingivitis is not always caused by poor oral hygiene. It can also occur in people suffering from diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or immunosuppressive circumstances. On the other hand, women sometimes also suffer from it during pregnancy as a consequence of hormonal changes. In addition, sometimes it happens that we brush 3 times a day but we do not do it correctly, or we do not use dental floss, and this can lead to gingivitis.
Is gingivitis contagious?
It is not the usual thing to be contagious, however, there is always a risk that bacteria can be transmitted through saliva, especially in stable couples. It has been shown that continued contact with a patient with gum problems can cause us to suffer from gum problems as well.
How do I prevent gingivitis?
The main way to prevent it is to have a constant oral hygiene. Ideally, brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day to ensure that no food debris or bacteria remain between your teeth. It is good to know that electric toothbrushes are proven to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes, which is a great help to keep our gums healthy.
On the professional side, it is recommended to visit the dentist 1 to 2 times a year to remove plaque deposits in hard-to-reach areas. The frequency of these visits will depend on the individual predisposition to suffer from gum problems, the ease of forming calculus and the presence of other systemic factors that may affect our oral health such as smoking, diabetes, pregnancy, heart or thyroid problems, among others.
Can Periodontitis be cured?
Periodontitis CAN BE CUREED, but unfortunately it leaves after-effects in our mouth such as gum recession or gaps between the teeth. Therefore, it is important to stop this bone loss, so that these gaps do not become larger and larger and the roots of the teeth do not become more and more exposed. However, all patients suffering from gum problems must be aware that they need MAINTENANCE for life, both at home, taking good care of their oral hygiene, and in their regular visits with their hygienist and periodontist who will be attentive to possible relapses or changes in their gums.
What is the connection between periodontitis and tobacco?
There is a clear relationship between tobacco and periodontitis. Tobacco causes a decrease in the natural defenses of the mouth, since it produces vasoconstriction, and this causes bacteria to penetrate the gums more easily and there are fewer bacteria to defend themselves. It also favors the growth of bacteria that are more aggressive for the gums, so in many cases we have to accompany the mechanical treatment with chemical treatment with specific antibiotics.
Another negative factor of tobacco is that by producing vasoconstriction, the patient does not perceive bleeding gums and therefore does not alert him/her to go to the specialist. For this reason, we always recommend that patients who smoke should have their oral check-ups at least twice a year.
Which are the periodontitis symptoms?
The symptomatology is very similar to gingivitis. The main symptom of periodontitis is bleeding and swollen gums, bad breath and increased sensitivity and even tooth movement. Although sometimes none of this is felt and the only thing the patient perceives is a larger gap between the teeth.
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Periodontal Evaluation
The first thing to do is to see the current state of your teeth and gums. To do this, we perform x-rays and a study, sometimes using the Florida Probe. This informs us of the degree of inflammation, recession, mobility and other important data in order to know what stage of periodontal disease the patient is in.
Based on this, we establish certain guidelines for action and an individualized prognosis. In addition, it is of great importance to instruct the patient in brushing techniques and interdental hygiene, since without a change of habits, the treatment we perform will not be as effective.
Painless Cleaning
The GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) Protocol is an innovative technique used in Crooke and Laguna for painless and effective dental cleanings. This protocol, which follows the recommendations of the European Federation of Periodontology, combines air, water and a special erythritol powder to eliminate biofilm without causing pain.
In addition, it can reach difficult areas such as interdental spaces and orthodontic brackets, being minimally invasive and suitable for all types of dental surfaces. This ensures the removal of biofilm and prevents cavities, gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.
Periodontal Decontamination
It consists of carrying out several sessions of scaling and root planing to decontaminate the root of the tooth. This procedure can be helped by the GBT Protocol and the laser.
In cases of deep pockets, laser gingivectomy complements scaling and root planing, helping to improve probing depth, which in many cases saves us from having to do surgery later.
We also test for periodontal pathogens using PCR to detect the presence of more aggressive bacteria and, in that case, prescribe specific antibiotic therapy for each patient.
Treatment for Melanosis
Laser treatment for melanosis in dentistry removes dark stains on the gums caused by excessive melanin accumulation. It is a precise, minimally invasive procedure that reduces pigmentation without causing significant damage to gum tissue. The results are immediate, with rapid recovery and minimal discomfort for the patient.
Photobiomodulation
Dental photobiomodulation is a therapy that uses low-intensity laser light to accelerate wound healing, treat mouth ulcers, reduce gum inflammation, and relieve postoperative pain. Laser light penetrates tissues, promoting cell regeneration and improving blood circulation, resulting in faster and more effective recovery.
It is a non-invasive and safe option that complements various dental treatments. In painful processes such as surgery, some orthodontic movements, canker sores, herpes and other oral processes, several sessions are necessary, depending on the cause and intensity of the pain.
Gingivectomy or gum contouring
Laser gingivectomy is a dental procedure that removes excess gum tissue using a laser. It is precise, reduces bleeding, pain and the risk of infection, and allows for a quick recovery. It is used to treat gingival hyperplasia and improve the aesthetics of the smile.
It is also used in the treatment of periodontitis or gingivitis to decontaminate deep pockets, complementing scaling and root planing and helping to improve probing depth.
Dental desensitization
Dental laser desensitization is an effective and non-invasive treatment to reduce tooth sensitivity. It uses a laser to close the exposed dentinal tubules, providing fast and precise relief without causing pain. This procedure is quick, generally painless and allows patients to resume normal activities immediately. Everything to reduce the dental sensitivity that bothers us in our daily life.
Gum graft
Gum grafting is a dental procedure that involves the transfer of gingival tissue from one area of the patient to another to cover exposed roots, repair recessive gums, or augment gingival tissue. This treatment not only improves aesthetics, but also prevents root caries and improves the stability of the tooth.
Coronary lengthening
Crown lengthening is a surgical dental procedure that involves trimming the gum tissue and sometimes the bone to expose a larger portion of the tooth. This treatment is performed to improve the aesthetics of the smile or to facilitate the placement of dental crowns or dental bridges. It is an ideal solution for those seeking a perfect smile and improved dental functionality.
Periodontal Regeneration
In cases of deep pockets or with vertical bone defects, we can consider regenerating the tooth insertion apparatus using enamel protein derivatives or barrier membranes with bone to strengthen the tooth insertion apparatus. This procedure helps restore lost support and improve long-term periodontal health.