Periodontitis: what it is and how to treat it
Today we want to talk about periodontitis, a disease that affects up to 90% of adults over the age of 35.
It is also known as periodontal disease. The name literally means “infection around the tooth”, from “perio” (around), “odont” (tooth), and “itis” (infection).
At Casanova25 we always recommend that patients get an annual check-up and cleaning to prevent this type of disease.
But...What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a disease that damages the tissues that surround, hold and protect the teeth and can result in the loss of the tooth. Dental implant surgery is one of the solutions for replacing the old tooth.
Causes of Periodontitis
The main cause of periodontitis is bacterial plaque. This bacteria is the reason people should brush their teeth at least twice a day, because bad oral habits allow this plaque to build up on the tooth and cause gingivitis, that is to say, bleeding and swelling of the gums. If the condition continues without a visit to the dentist, the infection can damage the tissue and the jaw bone beneath, which is periodontitis.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
The main symptoms are:
- Bleeding when brushing your teeth or for no reason
- Swollen gums
- Red gums
- Receding gums and spaces developing between teeth
- Loose teeth
Is there treatment for periodontitis?
We use a conservative treatment at the Casanova25 Barcelona dental clinic to eliminate the infection causing the periodontal disease. Once the infection is under control, the damage to the bone stops and healthy teeth and periodontal tissues are thus preserved.
Periodontal treatment consists of:
- Using an ultrasound device to eliminate the tartar accumulated on the upper part of the gum.
- Using manual or ultrasonic dental curettes to eliminate the plaque built up on the lower part of the gum, leaving the surface smooth and polished and preventing the disease from progressing. This process is usually performed over several sessions.
If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling a visit with our specialist for an oral evaluation.