Regenerative periodontal treatment is an odontological technique that allows for the recovery of lost dental support to benefit the patient. The cause of this loss of support can be the progression of periodontal disease, a condition that affects around 10 million people in our country, and in many cases, the patient is unaware that they suffer from it.
So much so that it is known as “the silent disease,” because unless the symptoms are very evident and it is in an advanced state, it causes hardly any pain, one of the main reasons why people usually go to a dentist appointment.
As we were saying, periodontal disease can be at the origin of the degradation of the tissues and bone that form the foundations of the tooth, potentially causing its loss. Is there a way to prevent it?
The truth is that not in all cases is it possible, but in some of them where the diagnosis is favorable, regenerative periodontal therapy can be carried out, thanks to which we can recover that support, extend the useful life of the dental piece, and also avoid having to resort to prosthetic replacement treatments such as removable appliances, fixed bridges, or dental implants.
What are the keys to regenerative periodontal treatment? We’ll tell you!
What causes tissue and bone loss?
The loss of periodontal tissues responds to various factors that must be taken into account when addressing a case for which regenerative periodontal treatment could be used. The main factors are related to the lack of self-care resulting from poor or insufficient oral hygiene, leading to the accumulation of bacterial plaque and the formation of tartar. This could be avoided with another of the factors that can cause loss of periodontal tissue, such as regular visits to the dentist.
Although there are also genetic factors in the appearance and development of periodontitis, it is the lack of hygiene and awareness of the importance of visits to the dentist that favors the development of periodontal diseases that can cause tissue loss.
In the case of the loss of the bone that supports the tooth, there are also certain factors that can influence this happening. In addition to periodontal disease in very advanced stages and other bone infections, pathologies such as bruxism can also cause bone loss.
This problem, suffered by around 70% of the population in our country, generates bone wear due to the excessive pressure exerted by both sets of teeth, the upper against the lower and vice versa, especially during the night, causing teeth grinding. In addition to causing problems in the temporomandibular joint, bruxism causes traumas to the teeth themselves and also to all associated organic structures, including the mandibular bones.
What does regenerative periodontal treatment consist of?
Once we know the factors that can damage and cause the loss of periodontal and bone tissues, we will detail what regenerative periodontal therapy consists of. Among periodontal treatments, mostly aimed at halting the progress of periodontal disease and keeping it at bay, this technique focuses on the possibility of reversing it.
Regenerative periodontal treatment offers the possibility of restoring tissues and bone to prevent the loss of the dental piece. Specifically, it is carried out through regenerative surgical techniques that allow for the complete restoration of the tooth’s insertion apparatus, composed of cement, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
It should be noted that bone regeneration as such is not possible in most cases due to the advanced state of the disease, but there are very specific situations in which, through the use of regenerative surgery techniques, it can be achieved.
It will depend a lot on the diagnosis and whether the patient meets the necessary characteristics to be considered suitable for this type of treatment. This is because in most cases, even if there are intraosseous defects, very positive evolution of periodontal disease can be achieved using only conservative treatments, halting the progress of periodontitis and therefore avoiding resorting to surgical treatments.
In what cases is regenerative periodontal treatment indicated?
As we were saying, conservative treatments allow us to halt periodontitis and avoid the loss of teeth by preserving the pieces for a long time. That is why regenerative periodontal treatment is indicated only for certain cases where surgery is necessary. What would be the most suitable ones to proceed with regenerative periodontal therapy?
- Vertical periodontal lesions
- Little chronic lesions
- Large number of walls of the bone defect
- Short distance between the bone wall and the root surface
In the diagnostic phase, it is necessary to check if there are occlusion problems that may cause periodontitis and, if necessary, these should be treated beforehand, keep a thorough control of hygiene, and quit smoking, if consumed.
What are the main techniques used in regenerative periodontal treatment?
There are several ways to approach regenerative periodontal therapy to achieve the desired effects, i.e., the recovery of periodontal tissues and bone structure supporting the dental piece. One of the most outstanding is guided tissue regeneration, a surgery that consists of the application of a biocompatible membrane with the patient.
The complexity of this technique makes a perfect alternative the use of proteins derived from the enamel matrix and its application in periodontal intraosseous defects. It is a simpler method to carry out, with a lower morbidity rate, and less invasive for the patient.
The success of regenerative periodontal treatment, also depending on the technique used, will largely depend on a good previous diagnosis, a thorough study of the patient’s characteristics, the skill of the professionals performing the treatment, and also a complete and exhaustive postoperative control that allows the treatment to be carried out successfully.
Regenerative periodontal treatment allows the recovery of the foundations of damaged dental pieces and preserves them for periods that can exceed 15 years.
In this way, it is possible to avoid resorting to advanced implantology treatments that, while offering a solution to preserve the smile and a functional denture, do not allow for the preservation of the tissues and nerves that enable the patient, for example, to have sensitivity and the ability to feel the correct pressure in the bite.
Would you like to know if it is possible to undergo this treatment in your case?
At our clinic, we are specialists in periodontology, and with Dr. Liñares at the helm, we have decades of experience and research at the service of our patients in the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts about this or other treatments, and remember that you can make an appointment with us through our contact section. We look forward to seeing you!