Standard of Care in Periodontology

The discipline of Periodontology deals with the development, anatomy, structure, and function of the various soft and hard tissues of the periodontium in health and disease, i.e., gingiva, periodontal ligament, root cementum, and alveolar bone proper. It concerns diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the various diseases and conditions affecting the periodontal tissues. There are close relationships to Oral Microbiology and Immunology, and Community Medicine. The impact of periodontal disease on non-oral diseases has to be considered as well. There are also close relationships to esthetic dentistry as well as implant dentistry. Practical issues of Periodontology include treatment modalities for the different diseases and conditions of the periodontium, techniques, and instrumentation. Treatment of the periodontally diseased patient should be considered within the framework of Comprehensive Dental Care.