[Periodontology yesterday and tomorrow. Prevention, treatment and evaluation of therapeutic needs]

The therapeutic approach to parodontal diseases is still of small effectiveness, and, in the first place, not economic. The need arises for introduction of a practical and real programme for the control of parodontal diseases based on prophylaxis. Certain therapeutic methods require verification since they are not sufficiently sparing the parodontal tissues. Preference should be given to conservative approach, even in surgical treatment. The periodontological index of therapeutic needs facilitates the planning and realization of health education, prevention and treatment of parodontal diseases.