Our expertise > Periodontitis treatment
Periodontitis treatment
The loss of teeth in adults is often the result of bacterial infections.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis, sometimes also called periodontal disease, is an inflammation of the periodontium. This intermittent process leads to the destruction of tooth tissue and bone, which are crucial for the stability of the tooth. Without treatment, this can lead to loose teeth for years or decades and is considered the main cause of tooth loss alongside tooth decay.
What causes periodontitis?
The main cause of periodontitis is plaque, which accumulates on the tooth surfaces and in the spaces between the teeth and triggers a chronic inflammatory reaction in the body.
Many factors play a role in the disease of the periodontium:
Many factors play a role in the disease of the periodontium:
- Insufficient oral hygiene and poor condition of the dentition
- Material intolerances of dental materials
- Incorrect loads
- Weak immune system and metabolic disorders
- Dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal tract
- Genetics
- Unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits and food intolerances
- Stress
- Smoking
What are the consequences of periodontitis?
The more aggressive the bacteria are and the weaker the body’s defenses are, the earlier and more severe periodontitis occurs. This leads to the gums detaching from the tooth and gum pockets forming in which the bacteria responsible for periodontitis multiply. The gum pockets deepen, while the number of pathogenic bacteria increases. The gums recede and the tissue and bone around the tooth continue to break down, causing the tooth to become loose. Periodontitis is often only noticed at an advanced stage when the tooth is already loose. Sometimes, however, periodontitis develops without any noticeable signs. Studies have shown that periodontitis bacteria and inflammatory substances enter the bloodstream via the gums and can have a negative effect on the entire body.
Untreated periodontitis can lead to various complications, including an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, premature birth and low birth weight. There is also a proven link between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. The bacteria and inflammatory substances released during periodontitis have been detected in arteriosclerosis and contribute to the development of strokes or heart attacks. Diabetics in particular are exposed to an increased risk of periodontitis, which many of those affected are not aware of.
How is periodontitis treated?
To make an accurate diagnosis of your periodontium, the depths of the gum pockets are first measured and x-rays are taken. In severe forms of periodontitis, a microbial sample may also be taken to examine the biofilm for marker germs that can lead to periodontitis. In addition, an interleukin-1 gene test is carried out to determine the genetic risk of periodontitis. Depending on the test results, additional antibiotic therapy may be necessary.
Arrange a consultation appointment:
Deep cleansing
During a deep cleaning, deposits in the gum pockets are removed under local anesthetic using special instruments. We also offer photodynamic laser therapy to reduce bacteria. In some cases, this makes antibiotic therapy unnecessary.
Laser for periodontitis treatment
After mechanical deep cleaning, we also offer photodynamic laser therapy to further reduce bacteria in the gum pockets. In some cases, this can make further treatment with antibiotics superfluous. A positive side effect is that laser treatment can improve wound healing.
Further advantages of laser treatment:
- Low-pain procedure
- Faster treatment compared to conventional, manual methods and antibiotic therapy
- Less injury/damage to the surrounding gums
Arrange a consultation appointment:
