Prevention has become a fundamental part of dentistry. Dr Arias Fonseca, director of Clinica Odontológica Integral (COI), knows first hand the importance of prevention to avoid future oral problems. Perhaps the most sensitive part of the mouth - and to which is paid the least attention in this sense - is the gum. "At COI, as well as carrying out periodontal treatments we guarantee the monitoring of each case following a programme of continuous periodontal treatment." points out Doctor Arias.

What role do the gums play in Oral Health?
They are fundamental. The gums are the pillars of the teeth. Without them the tooth wouldn't be supported. For this reason it's necessary to avoid at all cost gum diseases, or gingival diseases, as they can cause tooth loss.
And do we take care of our gums?
Not so much. Many of our patients are surprised when we tell them they need treatment for their gums. They think that the dentist only deals with the well-being of our teeth, but a dentist's work goes much further, as they analyse the general state of the whole mouth, including the gums and the state of the bone.
What is the main illness that affects the gums?
The most serious and most usual problem in the gums is periodontal disease, or periodontitis. It's produced by an accumulation of bacterial plaque between the tooth and the gum due to incorrect brushing, hereditary factors, medicines, etc. It becomes evident through bleeding and inflammation of the gums and, if not treated, can end in tooth loss. Periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss.
What is the solution?
At COI we apply different techniques in the treatment of periodontitis, depending on the state of the gum when the patient arrives and the evolution of the disease. In the most serious cases we can use periodontal surgery, reconstructive periodontal surgery, or microsurgery. These techniques allow us to halt the evolution of the disease or recuperate the gum and save the tooth, according to the state of the patient when the treatment is begun.
What options are there if the tooth has been lost?
In those cases we would have to opt for a dental prosthesis. That is to say, a false tooth which takes the place of the original. Although nowadays there are almost perfect solutions, such as implants which offer functionality similar to that of the natural tooth. The dental implant is a treatment which is becoming more habitual in cases of tooth loss or dental extraction. At COI we perform implant surgery with growth factors, with which the best results in the evolution of the implant are achieved.
Can you tell that the patient has implants?
No. The implant is almost like a natural tooth in looks as well as functionality.. Nowadays the concern for oral health also includes the appearance of the mouth. We want to have healthy teeth but that look healthy too.
That's to say, there's an increasing demand for cosmetic services?
Yes, because of this, in addition to cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening or orthodontics, at COI we have recently incorporated cosmetic facial treatments for the mouth. We want our patients to show off a complete smile, for this reason we offer treatments for the lips or the elimination of wrinkles around the mouth, as well as applications with hialuronic acid which is the latest advance in facial cosmetics.

Consult us .