Periodontology

Healthy gums – healthy teeth

Healthy gums are an important prerequisite for the lifelong preservation of your teeth. With our customised periodontal treatment, we can help you quickly and reliably with gum problems of all kinds.

P

eriodontitis is an inflammation caused by bacteria that manifests itself in largely irreversible destruction of the periodontium. Certain types of bacteria reproduce unchecked in the oral cavity and attack the gums and ultimately the jawbone.

The most common symptoms of periodontal disease are inflammation of the gums, tooth loosening, tooth migration, pain in the gums, bad breath, sensitive tooth necks with cold or hot food, reddened and swollen gums, bleeding gums, receding gums and gum pockets that can repeatedly and acutely fill with pus. If any of these symptoms occur, quick action is required, because if the inflammation of the gums spreads to the jawbone, there is a risk of tooth loss.

Periodontal treatment should therefore not be delayed under any circumstances.

One of the main causes of gum inflammation and periodontitis is a genetic predisposition. As part of our individual prophylaxis programme, we offer a periodontitis risk test (bacterial test) which provides information on whether you have a genetic predisposition to periodontitis.

Other causes of inflammation of the gums are poor or incorrect oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, mouth breathing, stress-related teeth grinding, a generally weak immune system and an unbalanced diet. However, unfavourably located piercings on the lip, frenulum or tongue can also be a possible cause of periodontal disease.

If periodontitis is recognised in good time, it can be cured in a short time using relatively simple treatment methods. After periodontal therapy/gum treatment, regular professional tooth cleaning by our dental hygienist at least every 3 months (4 times a year) is a particularly important factor. The aim is to ensure that the gum pockets remain stable and, if necessary, shrink, thereby reducing inflammation. Antibiotics and antibacterial mouth rinses can also be used to support this.

If the periodontitis is already particularly advanced, parts of the inflamed gum pockets may have to be surgically removed. In most cases, however, surgery is not necessary.

If the jawbone has already been affected, it can be rebuilt after the periodontal disease has come to a standstill.

Periodontal pre-treatment is essential for patients with dentures, as dentures, such as dental implants or dentures, can only be fitted if the gums are healthy.

Treatment procedure

The aim of the treatment is to remove tartar and bacterial biofilm from the root surface of the tooth and smooth it out so that the gums and periodontium can regenerate and the inflammation can heal.

First, a comprehensive diagnosis is made of the severity and course of the disease.

Pocket depths and gum recession are measured, bleeding is recorded, loosening is checked and a bacterial test is carried out to determine which paropathogenic bacteria are present in elevated form. Depending on the results of the bacterial test, antibiotics can be given to support the periodontal treatment.

All hard and soft plaque located above the gums is then removed during the hygiene phase. As a rule, 2-3 pre-treatments are required.

This is followed by the periodontal treatment. Either in one long session or divided into two sessions (within 24 hours)

This is followed by UPT (supportive periodontal therapy) at 3-month intervals to maintain a stable condition in the long term.

Perioscopy – Endoscopic treatment for periodontal diseases

An important factor for successful periodontal treatment is to remove calculus (tartar below the gums) from the root surface, which has accumulated there over the years.

This is particularly difficult in the gum pockets due to the lack of visibility.

Thanks to Perioscopy, our periodontal endoscope, it is now possible to perform periodontal treatment under visualisation using modern video, light and magnification technology to achieve a precise, minimally invasive and optimal result.

Scientific studies have shown that the various microorganisms (bacteria) that can cause periodontitis are also responsible for an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism and premature births.

The risk of developing periodontitis varies from person to person and the course and severity of the disease is determined by several factors. For example, smokers are significantly more likely to develop periodontitis than non-smokers. Diabetes mellitus also favours the development of periodontitis.

Risk factors for periodontitis

  • Poor or incorrect oral hygiene and smoking are the strongest risk factors

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Mouth breathing

  • Stress

  • General defence weakness

  • Unbalanced diet

  • Pregnancy

  • Lack of exercise

Targeted diagnostics (e.g. with a bacterial test) and early detection of the disease can prevent risks. The disease process can be halted and the condition of the periodontium improved or kept stable with systematic, customised treatment.