Periodontology 

Periodontology is a branch of dentistry focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the gums and the tissues that support the teeth.

The periodontium includes the gums, periodontal ligament, root cementum, and bone tissue surrounding the tooth. When these structures become inflamed or damaged, teeth may become mobile, the gums may bleed, and periodontal pockets may form between the tooth and the gum.

Periodontal treatment helps stop inflammation, reduce pocket depth, preserve teeth, and create proper conditions for further dental treatment, including prosthetic treatment, implant placement, orthodontics, or aesthetic correction.

At Iskusstvo Clinic, periodontology is not considered separately from dentistry as a whole, but as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Before implant placement, prosthetic treatment, or aesthetic dentistry, it is important to make sure that the gums are stable, there is no active inflammation, and the teeth have reliable support.

When a Periodontist Consultation Is Needed

A consultation with a periodontist may be recommended in the following cases:

• Bleeding gums when brushing the teeth.
• Swelling, redness, or soreness of the gums.
• Bad breath.
• Tooth mobility.
• Exposed tooth roots.
• Tooth sensitivity along the gumline.
• Formation of periodontal pockets.
• Pus or discharge from beneath the gums.
• Gum recession.
• Preparation for implant placement, prosthetic treatment, or orthodontic treatment.

Conditions Treated in Periodontology

A periodontist treats inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions of the gums and the supporting tissues of the teeth.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without destruction of bone tissue. It most often presents with bleeding, swelling, and redness. With timely treatment, gingivitis is usually reversible.

Periodontitis is a more serious condition in which inflammation affects the tissues that support the tooth. Periodontal pockets form, the level of bone tissue may decrease, and teeth may become mobile.

Gum recession is the displacement of the gum margin, resulting in exposure of the tooth root. It may be associated with a thin gum biotype, traumatic brushing, bite characteristics, orthodontic treatment, or inflammation.

Periodontal treatment also includes curettage of periodontal pockets, gum grafting, vestibuloplasty, splinting of mobile teeth, and supportive therapy after the main course of treatment.

Periodontal Treatment Methods

Professional Oral Hygiene and Removal of Dental Deposits

In the early stages of inflammation, treatment is based on the removal of soft plaque and tartar. This helps reduce the number of bacteria that maintain gum inflammation.

Closed Curettage and Root Surface Treatment

In the presence of periodontal pockets, the dentist cleans the subgingival area and removes bacterial plaque and hard deposits from the root surfaces. This procedure helps reduce inflammation and create conditions for tissue stabilization.

Surgical Treatment of Periodontal Pockets

If the pockets are deep and standard cleaning is not sufficient, surgical access may be required. The dentist cleans the tissues under visual control, removes granulation tissue, and performs additional treatment steps if necessary.

Treatment of Gum Recession

When tooth roots are exposed, gum grafting may be used. Depending on the clinical situation, the dentist may use repositioning of the patient’s own tissues, a connective tissue graft, or other techniques for recession coverage.

Vestibuloplasty

Vestibuloplasty is performed when the vestibule of the oral cavity is too shallow, when there is mucosal tension, or when there is a deficiency of attached gingiva. This procedure helps improve conditions for hygiene, prosthetic treatment, or implant placement.

Supportive Periodontal Therapy

After the main treatment, it is important to attend regular follow-up appointments and professional cleanings. Periodontitis is a chronic condition, so the stability of the result depends not only on treatment but also on ongoing monitoring.

How Treatment Is Performed

Treatment begins with diagnostics. The dentist evaluates the condition of the gums, the depth of periodontal pockets, tooth mobility, oral hygiene, the bite, and the presence of dental deposits.

If necessary, X-ray diagnostics, CBCT, photographic documentation, periodontal charting, and risk factor analysis are performed.

A treatment plan is then prepared. It may include professional oral hygiene, anti-inflammatory therapy, curettage, surgical treatment, gum grafting, tooth splinting, and supportive visits.

An important part of treatment is teaching the patient proper home care. Even a high-quality procedure performed by the dentist will not provide a stable result if the patient is unable to clean the teeth, interdental spaces, and gumline areas thoroughly every day.

Results and Supportive Care

The goal of periodontal treatment is to reduce inflammation, stabilize the condition of the gums, decrease bleeding, reduce pocket depth, and preserve the teeth.

The duration of treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the number of affected teeth, the quality of oral hygiene, and the patient’s general health. In some cases, a few visits are enough, while in others, staged therapy and regular monitoring are required.

After the main course of treatment, the dentist prescribes supportive therapy. Usually, this includes professional oral hygiene and periodontal monitoring every few months, but the exact schedule depends on the risk of recurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can periodontitis be cured completely?

Periodontitis is a chronic disease. It can be stabilized, inflammation can be reduced, and progression can be stopped, but regular check-ups and supportive therapy are necessary to maintain the result.

If oral hygiene is not controlled and preventive visits are missed, inflammation may return.

Are bleeding gums a reason to see a dentist?

Yes. Bleeding gums most often indicate gum inflammation. At an early stage, the problem is easier to control, so it is better not to wait until pain or tooth mobility appears.

Can dental implants be placed in patients with periodontitis?

In some cases, yes, but only after inflammation has been stabilized and the condition of the bone tissue has been evaluated. Active periodontitis increases the risk of complications, so periodontal preparation is important before implant placement.

What happens if periodontitis is not treated?

Without treatment, inflammation may progress. Over time, periodontal pockets deepen, bone levels decrease, teeth become mobile, and tooth loss may occur.

Is gum treatment painful?

Many procedures are performed comfortably. If necessary, the dentist uses local anesthesia. After treatment, sensitivity or discomfort may occur, but it usually decreases within a few days.

Limitations

Periodontal treatment requires the patient’s active participation. Without regular home care, professional cleanings, and follow-up visits, the result may be unstable.

Some conditions require preliminary preparation, including cavity treatment, removal of dental deposits, correction of excessive loading, smoking cessation, or consultation with related specialists.

The final treatment plan is prepared by the dentist after diagnostics.