Periodontal disease is a common pathology in the population. It is not reversible, progresses slowly or rapidly depending on the treatment regimen or attitude adopted, and is psychologically distressing for the patient, who will eventually lose teeth in advanced stages.
The onset of periodontal disease is the appearance of inflammation in the supporting tissues of the teeth.
The ligaments are the tissues that, together with the bone, hold the teeth in place in the dental arches.
Ligaments also have the role of cushioning the pressures that are transmitted to the teeth and bone to help maintain good health.
The main cause of periodontal disease is the presence of an increased bacterial gradient.
Micro-organisms form bacterial plaque which is a very thin film firmly attached to dental and mucosal structures.
It is hardly visible to the naked eye, only when it reaches a certain size, and can be removed by thorough and correct brushing.
Symptoms
The symptoms of periodontal disease are varied and present at certain times.
Inflammation of the gums– this is the first sign, but it is not pathognomonic. The fact that a patient has gum inflammation is not decisive for a diagnosis of periodontal disease.
Gingival inflammation occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene, but only when the inflammation involves the bone can one speak of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is reversible, if a well-established hygiene protocol is followed.
However, once periodontal disease is established, it does not go away, but can only progress more slowly or even stagnate if there is an effective treatment regimen.
Gingival retraction– the gum is firmly attached to the bone, so when bone resorption occurs, the gum also retracts. As a result, the tooth remains uncovered and sensitivity and mobility occur.
Dental gaps – tooth migration due to damage to the supporting tissues leads to unsightly gaps.
As well as being disturbing to the patient, these spaces also expose the interdental papilla, where they will impact food during chewing and traumatize it.
Unpleasant smell and taste– these occur due to spaces that form between the tooth and the soft tissues, spaces that retain food, which break down under bacterial action and generate the unpleasant taste.
Treatment
The treatment of periodontal disease is differentiated according to the stage at which it is caught.
Growth factors in the therapy of periodontal disease are intended to stimulate the recovery of damaged tissues.
Growth factor therapy is often only effective if early intervention is given.
Growth factors promote the recovery of blood vessels and tissues around the tooth.
When surgery is performed, growth factors are particularly useful in promoting the healing process.
They speed up healing, reduce inflammation and post-operative pain and improve the integration of the addition materials used.
Personal hygiene should not be neglected in the treatment of periodontal disease, nor should visits to the dentist for appropriate treatment.
