Periodontal treatment goes beyond simple tooth cleaning and is crucial to maintaining oral health. It consists of a series of procedures and techniques that prevent and treat gum disease. Early detection of periodontitis is vital for effective treatment and to stop its progression.
Early detection of periodontitis
Periodontitis is a serious dental disease that can have negative consequences for our oral health. For this reason, it is essential to detect it in its early stages in order to apply the appropriate treatment and stop its progression.
There are some warning signs that may indicate the presence of periodontitis, such as gums that are swollen, red or bleed easily when brushing or flossing. In addition, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity or increased spaces between teeth may be indicative of periodontitis.
It is important to mention that early detection of periodontitis is done through clinical and radiographic examinations by a periodontist. These examinations allow the health of the gums, attachment loss and the presence of periodontal pockets to be assessed.
- Clinical examination: During this examination, the specialist will check the condition of the gums, the presence of periodontal pockets and the mobility of the teeth. He or she will also check for plaque and tartar build-up on the tooth surfaces.
- Radiographic examinations: X-rays allow visualisation of the bone structure and detect possible signs of periodontal disease, such as bone loss around the teeth.
Once periodontitis is detected in its early stages, a personalised treatment plan can be established for each patient. This plan may include various options, such as scaling and root planing or non-surgical periodontal therapy, depending on the degree of disease progression.
Importance of periodontal treatment beyond tooth cleaning
Periodontal treatment is essential for maintaining optimal oral health. It goes beyond simple tooth cleaning, as it encompasses a series of procedures and techniques that are essential to prevent and treat gum disease.
Oral health not only affects our mouth, but also has an impact on our overall wellbeing. Periodontitis, a gum disease, can affect our quality of life and can even be associated with health problems such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Periodontal treatment focuses on removing plaque and tartar not only from the visible part of the teeth, but also from deeper areas, such as the space between the gum and the tooth. These bacterial deposits can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding and the formation of periodontal pockets. Periodontal treatment is vital to stop the progression of the disease and preserve the health of the gums and supporting tissues.
Furthermore, periodontal treatment is not only limited to the cure of gum disease, but also focuses on its prevention. Through procedures such as scaling and root planing, bacteria and impurities are removed from the roots of the teeth, promoting a cleaner and healthier oral environment.
It is important to note that periodontal treatment should be performed by a periodontist, who has the knowledge and techniques to provide optimal gum care. Each case is unique and requires a personalised approach to obtain effective results.
Scaling and root planing: effective treatment
Scaling and root planing is a highly effective procedure in periodontal treatment, as it focuses on removing tartar accumulated in the deepest areas of the periodontal pockets.
The main objective of scaling and root planing is to remove bacteria and impurities from the tooth root surfaces. It is performed using specialised instruments, such as curettes and ultrasound, which make it possible to reach areas that are difficult to clean with ordinary tooth cleaning.
During this procedure, the dentist gently scrapes the roots of the teeth, removing tartar and plaque build-up. In addition, the root surfaces are smoothed to prevent bacteria from re-attaching.
It is important to note that scaling and root planing is performed in different sessions, divided into quadrants of the mouth. This facilitates the treatment, minimising discomfort and preventing the patient from having to undergo long sessions all at once.
After undergoing scaling and root planing, it is common for the patient to experience tooth sensitivity and redness of the gums. However, these symptoms usually disappear within a few days and are a sign that the treatment is taking effect.
It is important to follow the specialist's instructions after the procedure, maintaining good oral hygiene at home and attending regular check-ups to monitor the progress of the treatment.
Dental curettage and its importance
Dental curettage is one of the fundamental periodontal treatments to prevent and treat gum disease. Unlike teeth cleaning, which is performed on the surface of the mouth, curettage focuses on removing bacteria below the gum line.
In cases of periodontal disease or gingivitis, curettage is crucial to remove bacteria accumulated in the periodontal pockets. During this process, the specialist uses a dental curette to carefully scrape the root surfaces of the teeth, removing tartar and impurities that can cause gum inflammation.
Dental curettage is divided into 4 quadrants, which allows for a more efficient approach to the mouth and avoids excessive discomfort to the patient. Each quadrant is treated in separate sessions, which facilitates treatment and minimises discomfort during the procedure.
It is important to note that dental curettage, unlike superficial cleaning, is performed at a greater depth, reaching up to approximately 3 mm from the tooth root. This ensures the removal of bacteria and allows the gums to recover and reattach to the teeth properly.
Dental curettage is essential in the treatment of periodontitis, as it helps to stop the progression of the disease and prevent more serious complications, such as attachment loss and periodontal pockets. Early detection and treatment of periodontitis is essential to preserve long-term oral health.
