[Pitfalls in the treatment of periodontitis]

The author point out that periodontitis is a disease of multiple aetiology and indicate two types of pitfall: traps in conceiving the plan of treatment and traps in carrying out treatment. The treatment plan may be incomplete. The authors show that the deepest types of vertical alveolysis are always related to occlusal or functional imbalance and that treatment based only upon hygiene and periodontal surgery represents a pitfall. They stress the importance of functional treatment. However such complex functional treatment itself has a number of pitfalls when it is being carried out. It is essential to restore balance of the oro-facial musculature before any treatment of occlusion. These are also types of non-occlusal musculo-dental imbalance which may plan an important role in the course of periodontitis. In conclusion, the authors note that functional treatment of the manducatory apparatus is as important as controlling inflammation. This must not be underestimated nor be allowed to go unrecognised.