Periodontology is a discipline of the dental area that promotes the health of the individual through the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth and implants. Supportive tissues include the gum, periodontal ligaments, root cement, alveolar and basal bone and peri-implant masticatory fibromucosa. Periodontology aims to preserve or restore the health of the supporting tissues of teeth and implants, thus helping to preserve or improve the comfort, chewing function, speech and aesthetics of patients. The main purpose of periodontology is to preserve the natural dentition. Periodontal and peri-implant diseases (chronic disease affecting implants) are closely linked to lifestyles, are caused by some bacterial species and are influenced in their course and severity by numerous factors.

Our oral cavity is normally colonized by more than 500 different types of bacteria. Our body through the immune system is normally able to keep them at bay until they become too numerous. If oral hygiene is neglected, bacteria form so-called bacterial or dental plaques, in which bacteria can easily multiply undisturbed. The toxins produced by these bacteria lead to gingivitis which results in gums that bleed when we brush our teeth.

If the gingivitis lasts longer, the inflammation can extend from the gums to the underlying periodontal apparatus to destroy the periodontal fibers and alveolar bone that support the teeth, creating periodontal disease. First gingival pockets form, which then convert into bony pockets that hide residues of tartar and bacterial plaque inside them, self-maintaining the pathology. Periodontal disease, if neglected, inevitably progresses, leading to the complete destruction of the supporting organ of the teeth with the appearance of mobility up to the loss of the teeth.