Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the periodontium. It not only involves the gum tissue but also the alveolar bone around the teeth and if left untreated can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is a widespread infectious disease that affects the entire body system.
Periodontitis
About 50 % of adults have some form of periodontal disease, however, most affected do not know they have the disease, as the initial symptoms are painless and often go unnoticed.
Gum bleeding or consistent bad breath can be symptoms for an inflammation. Take these warning signals seriously and have your gums checked by a general dentist.
A simple and completely painless procedure, the so called Periodontal Inspection (PGU) is used to evaluate treatment needs quickly and easily. We routinely perform this examination on every patient.
If a periodontal disease has been diagnosed, treatment usually involves several sessions following a detailed examination and assessment of your dental health. The dentist will look for inflammations and measure periodontal pockets. Special X-ray images are taken to determine the extent of bone recession. Once a preliminary treatment plan has been established, the dentist will explain to you in detail the required therapy procedures. At the next visits, your dentist will see that your gum pockets receive a thorough cleaning. This process of mechanical cleaning usually results in little or no pain and is carried out under local anesthesia.
The risk factors for developing periodontitis are mainly poor oral hygiene followed by smoking, diabetes and certain rare general diseases. As the inflammation of the periodontium is caused by bacteria, it is crucial to practice proper daily home care. We help our patients choose the right mouth cleaning products and conduct an oral hygiene training with every session.
Following a healing period of about two months your dentist will want to see you for a final control to discuss additional special treatment which may prove necessary. Further periodontal therapy is patient-based and may include laser therapy, antibiotics or even gum surgery. Individual patient treatment is determined during a comprehensive follow-up examination.
Once your periodontitis is healed and the gums free of inflammation, supportive procedures are advisable in order to maintain the status achieved. These so-called “recalls” are performed at selected intervals.
There is a clear relationship between periodontitis and general illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, low-birth weight infants and the risk for premature delivery.
Periodontal disease therapy procedure includes:
- Diagnostic assessment based on a Periodontal Inspection (PGU) to evaluate your treatment needs
- Precise diagnosis at your initial session
- As circumstances require, 2 – 4 cleaning sessions with bacterial test
- Determination of bacterial index, if needed
- Oral hygiene training
- Local anesthesia of the gum tissue either by applying a gel or with needle injections for extra sensitive areas
- Cleaning of the gum pockets with ultrasound and manual instruments
- Polishing and fluoridation
- Further recall after 2 months
- Individual further therapy
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