by Periodontics is one of the essential specialties for oral health, and is known within dentistry as the basis of other specialties.
Dental surgeons are health professionals who have worked in dentistry as general practitioners for many years. The development of dental studies, however, determined the emergence of specialist dentists.
The distribution of functions confuses the population a little, who is not sure which dental specialty to look for when signs and symptoms appear in the mouth.
Periodontics is one of the essential specialties for oral health, and is known within dentistry as the basis for all other specialties, since the periodontist takes care of the gums and bone, which support and protect teeth and hereditary implants.
“Odonto” means tooth and “perio” means around, so “periodontics” is the study of the tissues around the tooth and “periimplantology” is the study of the tissues around the implant.
“The role of the periodontist is to carry out an assessment of the periodontal/peri-implant tissues, such as the gums, bone, root cementum and ligament, in addition to the factors that killed the periodontium and the patient’s oral hygiene practices”, explained Dr Gisele Martinez, specialist in periodontics.
The specialist in this field of dentistry is also responsible for treating the alterations of the periodontal tissues – whether required or those of development -, periodontal diseases or those that have had the periodontium, and the aesthetics of the smile.
Assessment
According to Dr Gisele Martinez, the general dentist should be able to evaluate and refer the patient to the periodontist when necessary. However, the patient can also go directly to the specialist, as happens in medicine with the various specialties.
The specialist recommends that all people have a first routine evaluation of the periodontal/peri-implant tissues with the periodontist in early adulthood. The consultation guarantees the tracking of individuals at greater risk for developing periodontal diseases, as well as the establishment of care routines and clinical follow-up.
“The consultation allows an evaluation of the compatibility of the permanent dentition with the tissues around the teeth after growth and final formation. It is the moment to plan and maintain disease prevention and health promotion”, says Dr Gisele.
Although periodontal diseases, specifically periodontitis, are more common in people over 40 years of age, the most severe form of the disease, in some people, may begin around 20 years of age.
In addition, other environmental and genetic factors may favor the development of the disease earlier, such as, for example, hyperglycemia, smoking, T21, among others.
quality of life
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that can affect the gum tissue and bone around the teeth. In the most severe cases, inflammation can occur to the loss of patients.
Some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, obesity, osteoporosis or osteopenia represent risk factors for periodontitis, so patients with these conditions should have periodic consultations with the periodontist.
Stress, hypertension, sickle cell disease and medications can also lead to the problem. “There are many systemic, local and environmental conditions related to behavior and lifestyle that can compromise gingiva and bone. In addition, the health of the smile has a great impact on people’s well-being”, comments Dr Gisele.
The specialist recommends that people who did not undergo a periodontal evaluation during their young-adult phase schedule an appointment. In addition, people in the +40, +60 and +80 age groups should also arrange for a periodic dental check-up with professionals in the area.
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