Periodontics is the branch of dentistry dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and the supporting tissues of the teeth. These supporting tissues include the gums, bone, and tooth root.
Periodontal diseases are the most common in humans, affecting 85-90% of the population over the age of 35. Bacterial plaque is the main cause of periodontal or gum diseases. There are two main types: gingivitis, which is a reversible inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis, a more severe infection that affects the deeper supporting tissues, leading to bone loss.
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Gingivitis is the superficial inflammation of the gums, with bleeding as its primary warning sign. Once the condition is diagnosed, it is important to treat it promptly, as it is reversible at this stage. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe gum infection that can lead to further complications.
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Periodontitis is a deep infection of the gums and the tissues supporting the teeth (primarily the bone). This infection leads to bone loss, gum recession, and tooth mobility. If not treated promptly, it can cause tooth loss. The frequency of periodontitis increases with age, and the bone loss it causes is irreversible, though proper treatment and periodontal maintenance can halt further bone loss and prevent tooth loss.
Periodontitis can also affect overall health, being linked to cardiovascular diseases (such as hypertension), diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.
The clearest sign of a gum issue is bleeding, whether spontaneous or during brushing. Patients can identify gum health problems through various symptoms: gum redness, bad breath, cold sensitivity, tooth mobility or separation, and a perceived lengthening of the tooth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, at Clínica Dental Serrano Sánchez, we specialize in Periodontics. Contact us, and we can help you.
After a thorough review of the patient’s medical and dental history, we perform a complete periodontal study. This includes a clinical evaluation (using periodontal probing and recording in a periodontogram) and radiological assessment (periodontal radiographic series) to determine the extent and severity of the disease. These findings help track the disease’s progression with future evaluations. In some cases, additional tests such as specific microbiological tests and clinical photographs may be conducted.
The treatment focuses on controlling and eliminating the factors causing the disease. For gingivitis, oral hygiene instructions are provided, and plaque, bacteria, and tartar are removed through prophylaxis. For periodontitis, subgingival cleaning (scaling and root planing) is performed under local anesthesia, usually in two sessions. In more advanced cases, periodontal surgery may be necessary after the hygiene phase.
Weeks after treatment, a periodontal re-evaluation is conducted. If the disease is controlled, periodontal maintenance begins to prevent recurrence. Long-term success relies on maintenance visits, proper oral hygiene, and controlling risk factors like smoking and diabetes.
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Gum grafts can be performed in cases of gum recession due to aesthetic reasons or cold sensitivity. They can also be used to improve gum quality (increasing keratinized gum tissue) or to add volume to certain areas, whether over natural teeth or dental implants. These grafts can be sourced either from the patient’s own palate or using synthetic substitutes (collagen matrices).
At Clínica Serrano Sánchez, we will advise you on the best options and the most appropriate indication for each specific case.
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To improve the aesthetics, stability, and durability of a compromised tooth, it is sometimes possible to regenerate bone lost due to periodontitis. This can be achieved through microsurgical techniques and the application of growth factors around one or more teeth, helping to restore lost bone and enhance the tooth’s support and appearance.
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This surgical technique involves removing gum tissue or both gum and bone around the teeth for various purposes. The most common reason is aesthetic, when excess gum covers the teeth, affecting their size and proportions. It can also be done for restorative purposes, allowing better access to restore the tooth.
Treating periodontal diseases significantly improves patients’ quality of life. It removes tartar and bacterial plaque, reduces gum inflammation and bleeding, eliminates bad breath, and halts the progression of periodontitis (with proper periodontal maintenance). Surgical treatments can also restore lost tissues, regenerating bone and improving both the quality and quantity of gum tissue.
Conscious sedation is particularly recommended for patients who may experience anxiety or fear during dental treatments. At Clínica Dental Serrano Sánchez, we offer conscious sedation to ensure a calm and relaxed experience.
It is a safe and effective technique, supervised by an anesthetist, that helps patients relax during dental procedures. Unlike general anesthesia, the patient remains awake, able to interact with the dentist, while feeling completely relaxed and anxiety-free.
This technique ensures the patient feels no pain or discomfort during the treatment, allowing the clinic team to perform multiple procedures in one visit, reducing the need for additional appointments.
