FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS, PERIODONTAL DISEASE
What is Periodontal Disease (PD)?
The symptoms of PD are clear to a professional but are sometimes hard for the patient to detect initially. Inflammation of the gum, bleeding when brushing or flossing, bad breath, receding gums and tooth mobility are a few of the symptoms.
If you or a family member or friend detect any of these signs, do not hesitate to consult a centre specialized in periodontics
Symptoms of PD
The symptoms of PD are clear to a professional but are sometimes hard for the patient to detect initially. Inflammation of the gum, bleeding when brushing or flossing, bad breath, receding gums and tooth mobility are a few of the symptoms.
If you or a family member or friend detect any of these signs, do not hesitate to consult a centre specialized in periodontics
REMEMBER:
Early treatment is less complex and easier for you.
What causes PD and what factors are involved in its development?
The increase of bacterial flora in the mouth, plus a genetic predisposition for the disease cause the appearance of PD.
Other factors such as smoking, incorrect or insufficient oral hygiene, hormonal alterations, systemic illnesses like diabetes, certain medications, etc. can aggravate the problem.
How is PD treated?
PD treatment is performed by specialists in periodontics and its purpose is to re-establish the mouth health of the patient. This means reducing the level of pathogenic bacteria found in the mouth. Using mini-instruments and minimally-invasive techniques, a periodontal disinfection treatment is carried out, eliminating the bacteria that have accumulated under the gums.
In some cases, depending on the type of PD, microsurgery is necessary in certain parts of the mouth, in order to restore the tissues that have been damaged or to allow access to very deep areas. These microsurgical treatments are performed with latest-generation microscopes and surgical microinstruments, which reduce the aggressiveness of the treatment and possible post-operative discomfort. It is often possible to avoid the use of sutures all together.
Is PD contagious? Is it hereditary?
PD is not contagious but rather transmissible. According to the latest studies involving couples who have lived together for more than 20 years, the bacterial flora present in the two people is similar due to the transmission of bacteria from one to the other. To develop the disease there must be a genetic predisposition for it, in addition to the presence of bacteria. However, knowing if your partner has PD is especially important because it increases your chances of suffering PD. Therefore, if your partner has PD you should visit a periodontist.
As to whether PD is hereditary, recent studies reveal that there is a clear genetic predisposition to suffer PD. The disease itself is not hereditary but the predisposition for it is. It is recommended that all biological relatives of periodontal patients have a periodontal study performed.
What is Periodontal Preventive Treatment ?
Once the PD has been treated and cured, the periodontist will evaluate the patient’s risk of personal periodontal destruction. Such a risk arises because of the impossibility of modifying influential factors such as genetic predisposition. This makes a support treatment necessary in order to control bacterial flora and maintain it at biologically acceptable levels. The PPT is individual and customised and will vary depending on the risk of periodontal destruction. During this phase patient collaboration is vital. It is important to respect the frequency of the visits scheduled by the periodontist in order to keep the PD under control. Remember, following the recommended treatment is in the patient’s best interest.
