Periodontology: everything you need to know about this dental specialty

The periodontium is the set oftissues that hold a tooth in its socket. In case of pathology affecting this part of your mouth, you will turn to a specialist in periodontology: the periodontologist. Periodontitis diseases often start with a simple bleeding of the gums, but quickly degenerate and cause very serious irreversible pathologies.

In this article we explain why it is important to never neglect the health of your periodontium.

Why is good periodontal health fundamental to oral health?

Each of our teeth is not just placed in its socket, but is included in a complete system, the periodontium. The latter is made up of several elements that ensure the fixation of the tooth:

• alveolar bone of the jaw ;
• gums ;
• alveolar ligaments ;
• dental root cementum: organic material covering the ivory of the base of the teeth;
• blood vessels ;
• nervous system.

If one or more of these elements fail, the tooth is no longer held in place: it loosens and falls out.

Periodontal diseases are degenerative and, when not treated in time, they become very difficult to cure. If the jawbone is affected, extensive bone grafting is required to place implants.

When no further treatment is possible, the only alternative is dentures.

What are the warning signs of periodontitis?

Causes of periodontitis

Periodontitis can be caused by specific bacteria if oral hygiene is not respected. But it can also be due to many other causes:

• Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or at the time of menopause;
• age ;
• Lifestyle habits: overconsumption of tobacco or alcohol, malnutrition (especially in anorexics), etc. ;
• chronic diseases, such as diabetes or HIV.

Periodontitis is also caused by a cavity or an abscess that is not treated and degenerates.

Signs that should alert you

Periodontitis is insidious and often starts as a simple gingivitis. The inflammation of the gum becomes acute and then spreads to the jawbone. The tooth starts to move, then it falls out.

A simple pain or bleeding tooth should alert you and prompt you to visit your dentist for a check-up. Depending on the progress of the pathology and the training of your dentist, he or she will either take care of the treatment or refer you to a periodontologist.

The main signs of periodontitis are:

• pain, redness and bleeding in the gums;
• recurrent halitosis (bad breath);
• the appearance of pus in the gums;
• tooth mobility;
• the loosening of the teeth with the gum which seems to retract;
• Exacerbated sensitivity of the teeth, especially to cold.

What are the treatments for periodontology?

The first task of the periodontologist is to determine the origin of your pathology. If it is a hygiene problem, he starts by scaling and root planing. This involves removing damaged cementum and polishing the altered surfaces. The practitioner eradicates adherent subgingival deposits and restores good gum hygiene.

Review of dental treatments

A first cleaning allows to see more clearly. Next, you should check all the treatments that have already been performed, such as a poorly performed root canal, an obsolete denture, an abscess, etc.

Surgical treatment

If the pathology is more advanced, surgery is required. If your gums are affected, it may be necessary to proceed with a gingivectomy, which is the partial removal of your gums, or with a gingival graft, if your gums have retracted too much.

If your teeth are no longer supported in their sockets, they will naturally fall out. The periodontologist can place ligatures and splints that maintain them artificially. If this is not possible, the recourse is to place dental implants. However, if your jawbones are affected, they are too fragile to support the implant and a bone graft will be required.

The costs of periodontology

Scaling, splinting and ligatures are covered by health insurance at a rate of 70%. For the rest, you must refer to your complementary health insurance.

The rates are free and the interventions are quite heavy, which implies bills in hundreds or thousands of euros.

If you suffer from periodontal disease, it is in your best interest to compare different mutual insurance companies to get the best reimbursement.

Periodontology : FAQ