Introduction to Periodontics

• Definition and scope of periodontics.
• Overview of the periodontium: Structures and their functions.
  • Gingiva.
  • Periodontal ligament.
  • Cementum.
  • Alveolar bone.

Anatomy and Histology of the Periodontium

• Detailed anatomy of the periodontium in health:
  • Oral mucosa layers (keratinized and non-keratinized epithelium).
  • Gingival architecture: Free gingiva, attached gingiva, and interdental gingiva.
  • Gingival fibers and their classifications.
  • Periodontal ligament structure and cellular components.
  • Alveolar bone composition and types.
  • Cementum and its role in tooth support.
• Clinical features of healthy periodontium.

Gingiva: Structure and Function

• Classification of gingival tissues:
  • Oral epithelium.
  • Sulcular epithelium.
  • Junctional epithelium.
• Specialized features:
  • Stippling.
  • Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and its role in defense.
• Gingival fiber system and its functional significance.

Microbiology and Pathogenesis of Periodontal Diseases

• Bacterial profiles in health and disease:
  • Gram-positive vs. gram-negative bacteria.
  • Early and late bacterial colonizers.
  • Red and orange bacterial complexes and their roles.
• Transition from gingivitis to periodontitis.
• Host immune response in periodontal disease:
  • Role of cytokines, prostaglandins, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
  • Complement system and inflammatory mediators.

Classification of Periodontal Diseases

• 2017 World Workshop classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases:
  • Necrotizing periodontal diseases.
  • Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic disease.
  • Staging and grading of periodontitis.
• Historical classifications and their significance.

Gingivitis: Types, Features, and Management

• Clinical presentation of gingivitis:
  • Color, contour, and consistency changes.
  • Bleeding on probing (BOP) and inflammation.
• Types of gingivitis:
  • Plaque-induced gingivitis.
  • Non-plaque-induced gingivitis.
• Special forms of gingivitis:
  • Pregnancy gingivitis.
  • Drug-induced gingival hyperplasia.
  • Acute and chronic forms.
• Management and prevention strategies.

Periodontitis: Advanced Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

• Clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession, and alveolar bone loss.
• Disease progression:
  • Apical migration of junctional epithelium.
  • Periodontal pocket formation.
• Radiographic features of periodontitis:
  • Horizontal and vertical bone loss.
  • Periodontal defects (1-wall, 2-wall, 3-wall).
• Systemic influences on periodontitis (e.g., diabetes, smoking).

Non-Surgical Therapy

• Scaling and root planing (SRP).
• Use of adjunctive antimicrobial therapies.
• Role of host modulation agents.
• Maintenance therapy and home care instructions.

Surgical Therapy

• Periodontal flap surgeries:
  • Modified Widman flap.
  • Apically positioned flap.
  • Distal wedge procedure.
• Regenerative procedures:
  • Bone grafting materials (autografts, allografts, xenografts, alloplasts).
  • Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) techniques.
• Resective procedures:
  • Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty.
  • Osseous surgery and crown lengthening.

Periodontal Systemic Interrelationships

• Impact of systemic diseases on periodontal health:
  • Diabetes.
  • Cardiovascular disease.
  • Respiratory conditions.
• Impact of periodontitis on systemic health.
• Hormonal influences on periodontal tissues.

Implantology and Peri-Implant Health

• Basic principles of implants:
  • Osseointegration and implant materials.
  • Implant placement techniques.
• Peri-implant diseases:
  • Peri-implant mucositis.
  • Peri-implantitis.
• Maintenance of implants and long-term success factors.

Advanced Topics in Periodontics

• Drug-induced periodontal conditions.
• Occlusal trauma and its relationship with periodontal health.
• Bruxism and its impact on periodontal structures.

Clinical Assessment in Periodontics

• Periodontal examination and charting:
  • Probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP).
  • Gingival recession and clinical attachment loss (CAL).
• Radiographic assessment of periodontal health.
• Periodontal risk assessment tools.

Preventive Periodontics

• Oral hygiene education and motivation.
• Role of professional cleanings and regular check-ups.
• Prevention of drug-induced gingival overgrowth and other conditions.

Case-Based Learning

• Real-life clinical scenarios:
  • Diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Monitoring disease progression.
  • Managing complications.