There are many misconceptions surrounding the meaning of periodontology. For instance, many mistakenly refer to the field as "paradontology," and the professionals in this field are also incorrectly labeled as "paradontologists."
The following aims to clarify these misunderstandings and inaccuracies:
Periodontology is a specialized field within dentistry that deals with the successful treatment of diseases affecting the periodontium, including the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. A periodontist is a specialized dentist trained and proficient in the treatment of periodontal diseases. A periodontal clinic or practice is an institution equipped with one or more periodontists, thus prepared to provide care for periodontal diseases.
The periodontists at our dental clinic have received training at the Semmelweis University in Budapest, making them well-prepared professionals capable of addressing periodontal issues, which are now readily treatable.
To fully understand the conditions treated by periodontology, let's briefly discuss the structure of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Unlike many known dental conditions, the internal tissues of the teeth are not involved in periodontal diseases.
The tissues surrounding our teeth collectively form the periodontium. The periodontium's role is to hold our teeth firmly yet slightly flexibly in our mouths. Teeth sit in the jawbone, with the surface of the tooth root covered by cementum, which attaches to the tooth socket via periodontal ligaments. Gum tissue covers the jawbone externally between the teeth.
The periodontium consists of four tissues:
These tissues collectively have the ability to keep the teeth securely in place within the mouth. Periodontology deals with various diseases of these tissues, most commonly of inflammatory origin.
At Helvetic Clinics, multiple periodontists are available in downtown Budapest who specialize in the successful treatment of periodontal diseases.
Advice from a periodontist specialist
The most common forms of gum problems affecting the majority of people are caused by bacteria living in our mouths and adhering to plaque. While individual differences exist, treatments always aim to create clean, plaque-free, and inflammation-free surfaces in our patients' mouths. We approach dental procedures with a periodontal perspective, prioritizing long-term oral health!
dr. László Lukács, periodontologist
Gum disease, commonly known as gum disease or periodontitis, often develops unnoticed, and we only tend to notice suspicious symptoms when the disease is in an advanced stage, and our teeth are at risk. Surprisingly, even with few symptoms, the inflammatory condition of the teeth's supporting structures can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Gum disease is an inflammatory condition caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria adhering to the surface of the teeth and tartar. Its initial symptom is gum inflammation (gingivitis), which, after the initial stage, can progress in susceptible individuals, leading to inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth.
This bacterial-induced inflammatory condition results in inflammation of the periodontal ligaments and subsequent bone recession. Without proper periodontal treatment, it can eventually lead to loosening and loss of teeth. More information on the treatment of gum recession can be found here.
The purpose of periodontal treatments is to remove tartar both above and below the gum line, preserve the health of the gums and teeth, and eliminate inflammation of the gums. In periodontal treatments, we always aim to remove bacteria that have settled on the surfaces of the teeth to prevent the development or worsening of gum diseases.
Various treatment methods exist for saving mobile teeth in cases of established gum disease, such as open curettage, closed curettage, and various regenerative surgeries.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential following treatments performed at the dental clinic.
There are other types of surgical interventions involving the gums that are not related to gum recession. Among these, crown lengthening surgery and surgical treatment of gum recession, known as gingival plastic surgery or gum grafting, are notable.
The recession of the gums, mainly due to anatomical reasons, does not typically result in tooth loss but can cause discomfort and problems for patients. It often develops in cases of narrow dental arches and thin gum tissue, particularly when paired with improper or aggressive tooth brushing techniques. Aside from aesthetic concerns, it can lead to root decay on the exposed root surface and frequently causes tooth sensitivity at the gumline.
Treatment can be symptomatic to alleviate tooth sensitivity (such as tooth fillings), but there are also surgical techniques (e.g., gum recession treatment) that can effectively cover the exposed root surface.
Periodontal treatment prices vary widely. Pricing depends on the type of periodontal treatment performed, the extent of the treated area, the amount of bone graft material required, and the technical background of the practitioner. Specific prices for different periodontal treatments can be found at the bottom of the page or on the dental prices page.
If you're struggling with periodontal issues, don't delay your decision. A qualified periodontist is available for you in Hungary, Budapest. Schedule a periodontal consultation by calling 0539 3013 23! Helvetic Clinics awaits you in Hungary, in the heart of Budapest for periodontal care!
What sets apart the periodontal clinic from the periodontal practice?
The periodontal clinic typically functions as an academic institution affiliated with a university, engaging in the teaching, research, and treatment of periodontal diseases. Conversely, a periodontal practice refers to a dental facility equipped with (a) specialist (s)in periodontology, primarily focused on patient care.
What makes a dentist a periodontist?
Periodontology is a specialized field pursued through postgraduate training following the completion of dental school. Upon successful completion of this training, one can attain the title of a periodontist specialist.
I visited a periodontist and they want to extract my healthy tooth, what should I do?
Despite the tooth itself being healthy (for example, without any fillings/caries lesion), it doesn't necessarily mean that the surrounding gum tissue is also healthy. Unfortunately, in patients suffering from advanced periodontal disease, it is not uncommon for extraction to be the only solution for teeth with hopeless prognosis, even if the tooth itself is healthy.
Is there a good periodontist in Budapest?
In Budapest, there are several dental clinics proficient in periodontology. At Helvetic Clinics, there are two periodontists and two periodontal residents working diligently to preserve diseased gums and teeth.
Can a periodontist save every tooth?
Of course not. It's important to understand that the best periodontist isn't the one who tries to save every tooth, but rather the one who can make the appropriate decision regarding which teeth are worth saving and which are not. A diseased tooth that is removed in a timely manner often has a much better chance of being replaced with an implant than a tooth with severe periodontal disease that has been left untreated for a long time.
What does "open curettage" or "open curettage procedure" mean in periodontology?
"Open curettage" is the correct term, referring to a surgical procedure. Alongside flap elevation, it provides a clear view of the tooth surfaces, enabling thorough cleaning.