PERIODONTICS

Therapy                  Periodontitis and implants                 Photo of cases
 

Periodontics is a branch of dental medicine that deals with preserving the health of the supporting tooth tissues, i.e. periodontium. The periodontium consists of several types of tissue: the gingival (gums), the cementum (hard tooth tissue that covers the tooth’s root), periodontal ligament (set of fibers that connect the root and the alveolar bone) and the alveolar bone (bone that surrounds the tooth’s root).

The health of the supporting structures is a prerequisite for healthy teeth. However, many factors such as a weak immune system, genetic predispositions or smoking influence the development and expansion of periodontal diseases. Among the most frequently mentioned are gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (known as periodontal disease), refers to a bacterial infection of the tissue surrounding the tooth, which causes the gradual receding of the tissue surrounding the tooth. Other than genetic predispositions, its causes can be found in local factors inside the mouth such as plaque, tartar and tightly compacted teeth.

Insufficient oral hygiene and poor fillings, crowns and bridges are the main culprits for the emergence of plaque (soft deposit on teeth) and tartar/calculus (hard deposit on teeth), which contribute to and accelerate periodontal disease.

Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups have been shown to be the most efficient factors for the prevention of periodontitis. Other than receiving a professional cleaning and polishing of the teeth, in this manner, it is possible to timely diagnose and prevent the progression of periodontal disease. In Dental Clinic Jelušić, data regarding the complete condition of the periodontium are registered via a specific specialized program called FLORIDA PROBE SYSTEM, which displays the complete condition of the periodontium, provides an analysis of the risk factors and represents the fundamental document from which therapy results are read using comparative measurements. Likewise, the received data signify an improvement or decline of the condition on each individual tooth. This is of great importance for the patient’s awareness, who can decide on further necessary interventions in cooperation with the suggestions and consultations of a doctor of dental medicine.

Therapy in periodontics

The first step after the diagnosis of some form of periodontitis is the INITIAL PERIODONTAL THERAPY. It initially consists of calculous, tartar, soft deposit and disease removal as well as removal of infected tissue. This is further followed by cleaning and polishing of the teeth above and below the gums, which decreases the amount of bacteria in the periodontal pocket.
In order to ensure the success of periodontal therapy, except for the therapeutic intervention itself, it is necessary to maintain proper oral hygiene and get regular check-ups.

If healing of the disease or condition did not occur after the initial therapy, SURGICAL THERAPY follows. Surgical methods differ, ranging from simple methods where the periodontal pocket is surgically removed, to complex procedures where recovery of bone loss surrounding the tooth is attempted with the help of artificial or natural bone. In order for the surgical periodontium therapy to yield the best results, special materials referred to as Emdogain are used in Dental Clinic Jelušić, which promotes the regeneration of hard and soft tissue lost due to periodontitis.

Periodontitis and implants

The question of whether it is appropriate to place implants in patients suffering from periodontal disease often arises as well as the question of the fate of such implants. Nevertheless, even though such patients can be candidates for implants, the same should not be implanted without the scheduled and performed treatment of periodontal disease. If the periodontitis is under control, the implants will be equally successful as with all other patients.

The bacteria that cause periodontitis can likewise cause an infection around the implants themselves – PERI-IMPLANTITIS – which can lead to implant loss, and therefore, urgent treatment is necessary. PREVENTION is likewise an extremely important factor in inhibiting the emergence of an infection – plaque control, maintaining proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups with a doctor of dental medicine are key factors in the battle for maintaining a healthy oral cavity.