Editing Periodontology

{{Infobox medical specialty
| name           = Periodontology
| image          = 

[Image of the anatomy of the periodontium]

| caption        = The four components of the periodontium: gingiva, PDL, cementum, and alveolar bone.
| focus          = Study and treatment of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth.
| related_fields = [[Oral Microbiology]], [[Implantology]], [[Dental Hygiene]]
}}

==Definition==
'''Periodontology''' (from Greek ''peri'' "around" and ''odous'' "tooth") is the specialty of [[dentistry]] that studies the supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are collectively known as the '''[[periodontium]]'''.

A '''Periodontist''' is a specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of [[dental implants]].

==The Periodontium==
The periodontium is composed of four main tissues:
# '''[[Gingiva]]''' (Gums): The visible soft tissue covering the alveolar bone.
# '''[[Periodontal Ligament]] (PDL)''': The connective tissue fibers that anchor the tooth to the bone and act as a shock absorber.
# '''[[Cementum]]''': The calcified layer covering the tooth root.
# '''[[Alveolar Bone]]''': The part of the jawbone that contains the tooth sockets.

==Periodontal Diseases==
Periodontal disease is typically an inflammatory response to the bacterial [[biofilm]] (plaque) on the teeth. It is broadly classified into two stages:

===1. Gingivitis===
The mildest form of periodontal disease.
* '''Symptoms''': Red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
* '''Reversibility''': Completely reversible with professional cleaning and good [[oral hygiene]].
* '''Bone loss''': No loss of supporting bone occurs in this stage.

===2. Periodontitis===
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the inflammation spreads below the gum line.
* '''[[Periodontal Pocket]]''': The attachment between the tooth and gum breaks down, creating a space where bacteria thrive.
* '''Bone Destruction''': The body's immune response causes the breakdown of the alveolar bone.
* '''Classification''': Staged by severity (Stage I–IV) and graded by rate of progression (Grade A–C) according to the '''AAP/EFP 2017 Classification'''.

==Clinical Procedures==
Periodontists utilize both non-surgical and surgical interventions:

===Non-Surgical Therapy===
* '''[[Scaling and Root Planing]] (SRP)''': A deep cleaning that removes plaque and calculus from below the gum line and smoothes the root surfaces.
* '''Local Delivery Antimicrobials''': Placing antibiotics directly into periodontal pockets.

===Surgical Therapy===
* '''[[Flap Surgery]] (Pocket Reduction)''': Lifting the gums to remove deep tartar and suturing them back in a way that makes the area easier to clean.
* '''[[Soft Tissue Grafting]]''': Using tissue (from the palate or a donor) to cover exposed roots caused by '''[[gingival recession]]'''.
* '''[[Guided Tissue Regeneration]] (GTR)''': Using membranes and bone grafts to "regrow" lost bone and ligament.

==The Perio-Systemic Link==
Modern periodontology emphasizes the "Oral-Systemic Connection." Chronic periodontal inflammation is linked to several systemic conditions:
* '''[[Diabetes Mellitus]]''': A bidirectional relationship where uncontrolled diabetes worsens gum disease, and gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control.
* '''[[Cardiovascular Disease]]''': Increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
* '''Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes''': Potential links to low birth weight and preterm birth.

==Professional Education==
To become a Board-Certified Periodontist:
# Earn a [[DDS]] or [[DMD]] degree.
# Complete a 36-month CODA-accredited residency.
# Achieve Diplomate status through the '''[[American Board of Periodontology]]''' (ABP).

==See Also==
* [[Gingiva]]
* [[Dental implant]]
* [[Oral Microbiology]]
* [[Dental hygiene]]

[[Category:Dental Specialties]]
[[Category:Periodontology]]