Periodontitis is currently the major cause of tooth loss. A large proportion of the population suffers from mild periodontitis, while another 10-15% suffers from severe periodontitis, which ultimately results in bone and tooth loss. Periodontitis is the progression of untreated gingivitis and affects the bone that supports the tooth. The gums begin to detach from the tooth, creating areas called pockets and the tooth gradually becomes loose and eventually is lost. There are two types: aggressive and chronic periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis usually occurs in adults, but can be also seen at younger ages. It is characterized by slow destruction of the supporting bone, as opposed to the aggressive form in which the progress of destruction is greater.
Periodontitis Treatment
The treatment of Periodontitis helps to control bone damage. It always starts with the most conservative method (non-surgical treatment) and proceeds with more invasive methods (surgical treatment), depending on the severity of the disease. In the conservative phase of treatment, tartar and microbial deposits are removed from the root surface (root planning), using local anesthesia and ultrasound devices. In most surfaces of the teeth the treatment is successful and patients do not need further treatment. In those areas where the disease has not been resolved with the conservative method, we proceed in the surgical phase.
