Periodontics

How often should I undergo periodontal treatment?

Dental curettage, also known as scaling and root planing, is a deep cleaning procedure performed in the treatment of periodontal disease. The frequency at which a dental curettage is recommended can vary depending on the severity of periodontal disease and the individual needs of each patient.

Generally, a dental curettage is recommended when the presence of periodontal pockets (space between the teeth and gums) of 4 millimeters or more, bleeding gums, inflammation, and accumulation of bacterial plaque and dental calculus are detected. Dental curettage is performed to remove plaque and calculus from the root surfaces of the teeth and smooth the root surface to facilitate healing.

After a dental curettage, it is crucial to follow a periodontal maintenance program, which includes regular visits to the periodontist or dentist for professional cleanings and periodic evaluations. The frequency of these maintenance visits can vary, but is generally recommended every 3 to 6 months.

The period of time between dental curettages will depend on the individual patient's response to treatment, the severity of periodontal disease, and the effectiveness of the periodontal maintenance program. The periodontist or dentist will assess the periodontal condition at each visit and determine the appropriate frequency for dental curettages and professional cleanings according to the specific needs of the patient.

It is important to follow the recommendations of the oral health professional and maintain good oral hygiene at home, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent the buildup of bacterial plaque and maintain long-term periodontal health.

Is it better to undergo periodontal treatment or extract the teeth?

The choice between undergoing periodontal treatment or extracting teeth depends on several factors, including the condition of the teeth, the severity of periodontal disease, overall oral health, the patient's preferences, and the recommendation of the dentist or periodontist.

In general, the main goal of periodontal treatment is to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. Some of the reasons why periodontal treatment is preferred over dental extraction include:

• Conservation of natural teeth: Natural teeth play an important role in masticatory function, aesthetics, and support of facial structures. Periodontal treatment allows keeping natural teeth in place and avoiding the need for dental prostheses or implants.
• Preservation of bone and supporting tissue: Periodontal treatment can help stop the progression of periodontal disease and preserve the bone around the teeth. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the dental structure and avoiding bone loss that can occur after dental extraction.
• Improvement of overall oral health: Oral health is closely related to general health. By preserving natural teeth through periodontal treatment, systemic complications associated with tooth loss and dental prostheses can be avoided.

However, there are situations in which dental extraction may be necessary, such as:

• Irreversible damage to supporting tissues: If periodontal disease is very advanced and has caused irreparable damage to the supporting tissues of the teeth, extraction may be the most suitable option.
• Teeth highly affected or with poor prognosis: If a tooth is severely damaged, fractured, or has a severe dental infection that cannot be effectively treated, extraction may be necessary.
• Dental alignment problems: In some cases, tooth extraction may be part of an orthodontic treatment plan to correct malocclusion or dental crowding issues.

It is important to discuss all options with a dentist or periodontist, who can evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums and provide the best recommendation based on your particular situation.

Can advanced periodontitis be cured?

Advanced periodontitis, which is a severe form of periodontal disease, can be controlled and treated, but in some cases, a complete cure is not possible. Periodontitis is a chronic disease where there is progressive inflammation and destruction of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, such as the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament.

The goal of treating advanced periodontitis is to stop the progression of the disease, control inflammation, promote the healing of damaged tissues, and maintain long-term periodontal health. Periodontal treatment includes different approaches, such as scaling and root planing, dental curettage, periodontal surgery, antibiotic therapy, and regenerative therapy.

In many cases, with proper periodontal treatment and following a long-term periodontal maintenance program, it is possible to control the disease and maintain good periodontal health. This involves a combination of proper oral care at home, regular visits to the periodontist or dentist for professional cleanings and periodic evaluations, and controlling risk factors such as smoking and stress.

However, in advanced cases of periodontitis with severe loss of bone and supporting tissue, it may not be possible to fully recover the lost tissues. In these cases, the goal of treatment is to stabilize the disease and prevent further loss of teeth and bone structures. In some cases, additional treatments, such as the placement of dental implants or dental prostheses, may be necessary to restore oral function and aesthetics.

It is important to note that the success of treating advanced periodontitis depends on various factors, including the severity of the disease, the individual patient's response to treatment, and compliance with oral care instructions and post-treatment maintenance. It is advisable to consult a periodontist or specialized dentist for an accurate assessment of your periodontal condition and receive a personalized treatment plan.