Periodontology
Periodontology deals with the periodontium: the area around the tooth. This also includes prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases and their after-care. A non-inflammatory infection of the periodontium is called paradontosis; an inflammation - the most widely occurring form - is called periodontitis. It leads to bone loss if left untreated for long.
Triggers for both kinds of infection are bacterial plaque. However, smoking, diabetes or genetic factors may also be the cause for paradontosis or periodontitis. If left untreated for long, it could lead to development of deep gingival sulci or pockets caused by inflammatory swelling of the gums (gingiva).
Periodontitis therapy aims at long-term control of infection.
The treatment ensures that the gingival pockets remain as stable as possible and the bacterial flora is improved. It is not quite possible to reverse the pathological process of periodontitis, however it can be permanently brought to an end.
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