The main periodontal diseases are periodontitis and gingivitis. With the recent appearance of implants, periodontology is the speciality in charge of preventing and treating pathologies that arise around implants, such as perimplantitis.

The initial stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. If this remains for a long time and other factors (heredity, smoking, etc.) are added, periodontitis (commonly known as “pyorrhoea”) will develop.

The causes of periodontal diseases are infections caused by bacteria under the gum, between the gum and the teeth. These bacteria accumulate in an organised manner in the form of bacterial plaque or “tartar”.

For gingivitis to progress to periodontitis, other factors such as: genetics, tobacco use, stress, certain types of medication, poor oral hygiene should be added.

• Tobacco
• Stress
• Systemic diseases: Diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV, herpes, transplant recipients, etc.
• Hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause.
• History of periodontitis in a family member.

The indicated treatment usually consists of two phases depending on the degree of periodontitis the patient suffers from.

First, the bacteria that lodge in the periodontal pockets between the gum and the tooth are removed by scaling and root planing (commonly called curettage). This phase of treatment is sometimes accompanied by the use of chlorhexidine mouthwashes and rarely also requires the use of antibiotics.

Secondly, in cases of aggressive or very advanced periodontitis, it is necessary to carry out a second phase consisting of intensive periodontal maintenance. Enamel matrix proteins – Emdogain can be applied locally in this type of treatment. These proteins are responsible for regenerating the periodontium of the tooth. The main objective of this periodontal reconstructive treatment is to save teeth.