Periodontology
Periodontology in Bologna and Faenza
Dr. Pier Carlo Frabboni’s practice specializes in periodontology in Bologna and Faenza! Periodontology is the study of the periodontium, which is the supporting structure of the tooth. The periodontium consists of the tissues surrounding the tooth (Latin: “para” = near; Greek: “odus” = tooth).
The relevant tissues, both hard and soft, include:
- Gingiva
- Root cementum
- Periodontal ligament
- Alveolar bone
The structure and function of periodontal tissues have been extensively studied. Understanding the close relationship between its cellular and molecular components and using it for therapy is the goal of further in-depth research.
TREATMENTS FOR PERIODONTAL CARE IN BOLOGNA AND FAENZA:
There are several types of interventions to treat periodontal diseases. We invite you to schedule an appointment at our offices to evaluate your case and find the optimal solution together.
- Non-surgical therapy
- Regenerative bone surgery
- Reconstructive bone surgery
- Resetting bone surgery
- Mucogingival surgery
PERIODONTAL DISEASES
GINGIVITIS – PERIODONTITIS
There are different types of diseases that affect the periodontium. The most common ones are gingivitis, associated with plaque (infections and irritations of the gums without loss of connective attachment), and periodontitis (resorption of alveolar bone caused by infection).
PROGRESSION OF UNTREATED PERIODONTITIS
Observing average values, periodontitis is generally a disease that progresses very slowly and, in severe cases – especially if left untreated – can lead to tooth loss. There are significant differences in the speed of progression among individual patients.
In addition to the quality and composition of the bacterial plaque, host-related factors can also be responsible for the disease’s progression,
such as the patient’s overall health, genetically determined immune system (ethnicity), which can also be influenced by external factors (social environment, smoking, and stress).
Periodontitis can manifest at various ages and can evolve with different timelines and patterns. Not all teeth and dental surfaces are equally affected.
In addition to the quality and composition of the bacterial plaque, host-related factors can also be responsible:
- Molars are most at risk.
- Premolars and incisors are less at risk.
- Canines are the most resistant.
PERIODONTITIS: A MULTIFACTORIAL DISEASE
In recent years, there have been changes in the way periodontitis etiology is understood.
This has shown that pathogenic bacteria present in a pocket are not necessarily the cause but create optimal conditions for the development of other pathogenic germs, which will be co-responsible, as in a vicious circle, for the disease’s progression.
Today, as in the past, the statement holds: “no bacteria, no periodontitis,” but today, unlike in the past, it has been shown that the presence of bacteria – even periodontopathogenic ones – does not necessarily cause periodontitis.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
The most common diseases of the stomatognathic system are associated with plaque; mostly, they are chronic inflammatory changes in the gums and periodontium: gingivitis can go on for years without turning into periodontitis. With good oral hygiene and professional plaque and tartar removal, it can even be reversible.
Usually, periodontitis develops after a more or less pronounced gingivitis.
TREATMENTS FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE:
- Non-surgical therapy
- Regenerative bone surgery
- Reconstructive bone surgery
- Resetting bone surgery
- Mucogingival surgery
HOW LONG DO THE TREATMENTS LAST?
The duration of periodontal treatments can vary based on several factors, including the severity of periodontal disease, the patient’s overall health, the presence of additional complications, and the type of treatment required. In general, periodontal treatments can take from a few weeks to several months to complete.
One of the most common treatments in periodontology is professional dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing or professional oral hygiene. This procedure is usually performed in one or more sessions depending on the amount of plaque and tartar present and the complexity of the case. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled every 3 to 6 months. During the cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, including deposits below the gum line, using specific instruments and potentially numbing the gums or teeth if they are very sensitive.
For more severe cases of periodontal disease, surgical treatment may be necessary. The duration of these procedures can vary depending on the type of procedure performed. For example, a periodontal surgery procedure for the removal of infected tissue or bone regeneration may take 60 to 90 minutes. However, it is essential to keep in mind that each case is unique, and the exact duration of treatment will be determined by the dentist based on the specific characteristics of the case
The most recent classification of periodontal disease dates back to 2017 during the “World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.”
After periodontology treatments, it is essential to follow a strict oral hygiene regimen and have regular check-ups with the dentist to ensure the maintenance of periodontal health. The duration of these follow-up visits can vary from person to person, but they are usually scheduled every 3-6 months.
It is important to consult your trusted dentist or periodontist (a specialist in gum and bone diseases) for a detailed evaluation of your case and to obtain precise information about the duration of specific periodontology treatments for you.