What do you need to know about periodontal cases?
The initial stage of gingivitis is usually almost completely painless, so many people only consult a doctor when the lesion has reached an advanced stage and the symptoms are causing severe discomfort.
Over time, untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which is a disease of the tissues that support the teeth, and can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Persistent inflammatory nodules in the mouth can often go beyond themselves, overloading the immune system and causing disease in other areas of the body: hair loss, heart and joint problems, and even premature birth. Restoring oral health can also bring about a significant improvement in overall health.
A periodontist is not only able to effectively detect and eliminate pathological processes that have already started, but also helps to maintain the results and prevent them through oral hygiene advice.
The prevention of gingivitis depends mainly on thorough brushing, the correct use of dental bonding agents and mouthwash, and regular professional tartar removal.
Predisposing factors for periodontal disease
- certain inherited or acquired diseases, such as diabetes, the world's most common metabolic disease.
- other genetically encoded factors: for example, the composition of saliva, the bacterial population that promotes periodontal disease
- taking medicines (certain heart medicines, medicines for epilepsy, contraceptives) that affect the condition of the gums and the composition of saliva
- and, above all, tartar build-up due to poor or inadequate oral hygiene and dental hygiene treatments!
The stages of periodontitis
- gingivitis: only the gums are affected
- early periodontitis: the inflammation extends deeper, not only affecting the upper gum; the gum moves away from the tooth
- periodontitis: the hard tissue of the tooth is also damaged, the gums are pulled up and the root becomes free
- severe, advanced periodontal disease: permanent inflammation of the gums causes damage to the bone tissue under the tooth, with the roots of the tooth protruding for a long time
- at the most severe stage, bone tissue breaks down, the gums atrophy, the tooth becomes loose, starts to move, becomes crooked and then falls out
Signs of gingivitis
- does not cause complaints for a long time, the initial signs are detected by a specialist; this is why regular dental check-ups are important!
- swollen, darker coloured, sensitive gums
- bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- sensitivity of the area around the neck of the tooth to hot and cold when brushing
- bad breath, bad taste in mouth
Levels of periodontal treatment
- For a healthy oral cavity
the core of the treatment is counselling and motivation, as well as the development of personalised, correct oral hygiene habits and education. - For mild lesions (e.g. gingivitis)
further infection of the tissue can be eliminated by removing the tartar and polishing the tooth, possibly with additional antibiotic treatment. Gingivitis detected in time usually heals completely without leaving any traces. - For severe, irreversible lesions
the processes that start when the periodontium becomes inflamed are irreversible, but they can be stopped or at least slowed down with the coordinated cooperation of the periodontist, the dental hygienist and the patient. It is not for nothing that periodontology is said to be the most serious branch of dentistry requiring patient-doctor cooperation!
The stages of periodontal treatment
- Introductory or knock-out phase: tackling the causes of the disease
- health assessment (status recording and X-ray), prior briefing and motivation
- removal of plaque from the areas above and below the gums, excluding factors that may contribute to plaque adhesion (bad filling, protruding filling edge, malposition)
- advice, personalised oral hygiene protocol
- the removal of unsalvageable teeth, when the destruction of the tooth so severe that the tooth cannot be maintained even in the short term
- control - Surgical stage: interventions requiring surgical correction
- interventions require good oral hygiene and a healthy environment
- tissue regeneration, artificial bone replacement, gum surgery - Corrective / restorative phase: actual restoration
- takes place in an already fully healthy and well-functioning environment
- tooth replacement, implantation - Maintenance treatment and care phase: maintaining the optimum condition once established
- care of a properly placed implant or other dental prosthesis, oral care at home
- regular dental hygiene treatment
- regular check-ups (first 4-6 weeks after treatment; later, if all is well, then every three months to six months, depending on the disease and individual circumstances)
Why should you see a periodontist?
- clarification
- prevention
- establishing and maintaining oral health
- solving complex health problems that affect the whole organisation
