Periodontology

It is the branch of dentistry that deals with the care of the gums. The so-called periodontal or gum disease can also occur in young adults because of a combined individual susceptibility and wrong oral hygiene habits.

The patient is diagnosed by mean of periodontal probing and appropriate radiographs. Periodontal disease is often almost silent, or with liited symptoms such as bad breath, bleeding gums or occasional soreness of the gums.

In advanced cases patients are aware of the problem when the teeth begin to move because of lost bony support, and often at that point teeth are irreparably compromised.

The treatment consists of several stages: the initial phase consist of sessions of scaling and root planning under local anesthesia are performed, to remove visible and subgingival calculus. Subsequently, the patient is revaluated and any residual pockets are removed surgically. Surgical interventions are performed under local anesthesia and aim to remove any site that can perpetuate the infection.

In selected cases regeneration of bone can also be carried out by inserting a synthetic substitute. If the teeth are not maintainable they can be replaced by implants or by conventional prosthesis.

In the maintenance phase the patient is placed in a recall program of professional hygiene.

Gingival recessions can occur in absence of disease in patients who have particularly thin gums that are easily traumatized by tooth brushing. Recessions can be covered by gingival grafts or connective harvested from the palate. A minimally invasive technique that provides optimal results in the long term.

Dr. Fazi has a master degree in Periodontology from UCL (London-UK) and a broad experience as surgeon.