Parodontal disease (or paradontopathy ) today affects two thirds of the population and is the main cause of partial and total edentulism.
It affects the support structures of the teeth and is caused by some bacterial species. It is also influenced by numerous genetic, local, systemic and lifestyle factors. Often it is not diagnosed or considered because the symptoms (redness, bleeding, swelling of the gums) are seen as acceptable alterations and the patient contacts his dentist only when starting to feel pain or noting unusual tooth mobility.
The lack of early diagnosis and inadequate therapies are the cause of a progressive destruction of the support system of the teeth with consequent early loss of dental elements,as well as altered chewing and aesthetic functions.