Periodontology
Gum inflammation
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums.
It often develops gradually and goes unnoticed at first. If left untreated, the inflammation spreads. As a result, the periodontal tissues break down, the jawbone is damaged, and tooth loss is inevitable.
Causes and symptoms
Periodontitis is caused by a buildup of bacteria in dental plaque and gum pockets, which leads to inflammation. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus can play just as significant a role as genetic factors. Typical symptoms of periodontitis include bad breath, red or receding gums, bleeding gums, and loose teeth. Note: Advanced inflammation can also lead to consequences such as an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or premature birth.
How to prevent It
To prevent periodontitis from developing in the first place, the best approach is to maintain thorough oral hygiene. Brush your teeth with toothpaste and floss at least twice a day—this will keep bacteria, inflammation, and tartar at bay. For all-around healthy teeth, you can also have professional teeth cleanings done at our practice.
How periodontitis is treated
Existing periodontitis can be effectively controlled through structured periodontal treatment and, in many cases, halted. In our practice, treatment is carried out in several carefully coordinated stages:
- Thorough diagnosis and preparation
To begin with, we’ll get a detailed picture of your oral health. This includes a comprehensive examination, a review of your medical history, and X-rays. We’ll also measure the depth of your gum pockets and assess the extent of any inflammation and potential bone loss. - Gentle local anesthesia
To ensure that your treatment is as comfortable as possible, the affected areas will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Thanks to modern anesthetic techniques, the procedure is generally very well tolerated and largely painless. - First cleaning phase
Next, we’ll start by removing all surface deposits, plaque, and tartar from your teeth. At the same time, we’ll discuss with you how you can specifically improve your oral hygiene at home to best support the treatment. - Deep cleaning
We then thoroughly clean the gum pockets using special instruments, reaching deep into the root surfaces. There, we remove bacterial plaque and smooth the root surface, making it much harder for new bacteria to adhere. - Additional therapy as needed
Depending on the severity of the inflammation and the type of bacteria, treatment may be supplemented with antibiotics. In certain cases, modern laser procedures are also used to specifically target and reduce bacteria. - Regular follow-up care
A crucial part of periodontal treatment is consistent follow-up care. We monitor the healing process at intervals of usually three to six months, remove any new plaque buildup during professional cleanings, and help you maintain good oral hygiene over the long term.