Periodontics is a branch of dentistry comprising the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of gum problems.
Periodontics focuses on the treatment of the support tissues around the teeth, bones and gums. From gingivitis, (inflammation of the gums) which causes redness and bleeding of the gums, to periodontitis which is a more serious case leading to attachment loss of the tooth.
As well as causing bleeding gums, this type of periodontitis also causes dental movement, abscesses or the appearance of spaces between the teeth. This pathology was previously known as “pyorrhoea”.
With periodontic treatments we can also resolve common aesthetic problems such as a “Gummy Smile” whereby a patient shows “too much” gum when smiling.
Some patients suffer from “sensitive gums”, a loss of gum around the teeth or gum recession, aesthetic problems and other issues related to the gums.
Our specialist, Dr. Amparo Llorente, who was trained at the Eastman Dental Institute in London, is an accredited specialist for the European Board for Periodontology, the largest accredited body in this field of dentistry.
We use techniques to treat functional, aesthetic and biological issues derived from gum problems which allow us to safely restore the health and beauty of the mouth through a part that is as important as the gums; bones and other elements of the periodontal structure.
The most renowned medical societies* recognise the importance of looking after the health of the gums and the mouth. A direct relationship between gum health and cardiac health has been demonstrated; it has been shown that periodontal disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Another example of the relationship between general health and oral health: it has been established that if there is an active periodontal disease, it is practically impossible to control the level of glycemia (blood sugar levels) in a diabetic patient.
This is also the case across numerous general illnesses.
*American Academy for Periodontology (AAP), European Federation for Periodontology (EFP), Sociedad Española de Periodoncia y Oseointegración (SEPA), American Heart Association (AHA), Sociedad Española de Cardiología (SEC).
Periodontics is no longer simply about looking after dental health; it is about looking after the general health and wellbeing of the whole body.
Many studies that have been carried out by the most renowned investigative centres at a worldwide level, and published in the most prestigious journals, demonstrate that by looking after the health of the gums, as well as preventing oral health problems, also helps to reduce the risk of illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart attacks and strokes or early miscarriage in pregnancy.
The periodontic unit at the Vilaboa Dental Clinic is led by Dr Amparo Llorente, a specialist trained at the Eastman Dental Institute in London.
