This speciality is dedicated to the prevention, study, diagnosis and treatment of pathologies that affect the supporting tissues of the teeth (gums and bone).
Periodontal disease affects around 65% of adults and is divided into two main groups:
- Gingivitis – this is the initial phase of the disease, where there is superficial inflammation of the gums, without involvement of the bone
- Periodontitis – this is the most advanced phase of the disease, where there is deeper inflammation and infection, which can lead to bone resorption and tooth loss (in more serious cases).
There are some risk factors associated with the disease:
- tobacco
- poor oral hygiene
- systemic diseases