The periodontitis therapy preserves your teeth and protects your health

“Prevents decay and periodontitis” – is what we read on many toothpaste tubes. But what exactly is periodontitis? When they hear this word, many people think of gum disease and gum recession. The chronic bacterial infection of the periodontium, however, affects much more than just the gums and the teeth. The effects can impact the entire organism.

For this reason, we take special care of any signs of bacterial infections during the prophylaxis treatments in our dental clinic in Egerkingen. If the periodontitis is treated in time,

• the health of gums and teeth is preserved a long time.
• the organism is protected against the impacts of a bacterial infection.
• the risk is reduced to develop other diseases like heart attack, diabetes or stroke.

Gum disease is the colloquial term, the medically correct word is periodontitis. Regardless of the wording, we speak of a chronic bacterial inflammation of the entire teeth support structure. This so-called periodontium includes the gum, collagen fibres, the jaw bone and connective tissue.

How can you recognize a periodontitis?

Does it hurt when you move your toothbrush over your gums. Do you suffer from unpleasant breath? These are likely to be the first symptoms of a periodontitis:

• You notice that your gums are swollen or red in a certain area.
• The gums are bleeding when they are brushed during cleaning.
• You feel a discomfort on your teeth when you are having hot or cold drinks.

Should you discover any of these symptoms, it is about time to make an appointment in our dental clinic. Your gums need professional help as soon as possible.

To put it short: periodontitis is caused by bacteria. The bacteria of plaque if not removed produce tartar, which accumulates on the edge of the gums and penetrates the space between teeth and gums. A so-called pocket develops where more bacteria can grow causing your gums to become swollen and sensitive.

Too many bacteria put the organism under stress with the result of body reactions which fire up the immune system to combat the bacteria. If the inflamed gums are not treated in time, the inflammation will become chronic.

Do you smoke? Do you have a lot of stress? These factors and an insufficient oral hygiene increase the risk of a severe progress of the periodontitis.

Bacterial infections endanger your entire organism

In the beginning, periodontitis will only affect your teeth and your tooth replacement. If left untreated, the gums will recess. Teeth and tooth replacement start to lose their base and will fall out in the worst case.

The bacteria can proliferate via the blood to affect the entire body. Among other things, periodontitis increases the risk of

• having a heart attack or a stroke
• developing diabetes or autoimmune diseases
• pneumonia

 

In our dental clinic in Egerkingen, we use gentle and proven measures to stop the inflammatory process.

Conventional therapy:

Often, it is sufficient to remove the plaque and clean the pockets afterwards with small ultrasonic cleaning devices. Ultrasonic sound has antibacterial effects making it difficult for plaque bacteria to resettle.

At the end, we polish the teeth and their necks. Teeth with smooth surfaces are less susceptible for bacteria and are easier to clean.

Operation:

The conventional measures don’t take effect or the bone is affected? In very persistent cases, we have to do a small surgical intervention. The affected area will be anaesthetized locally before Dr. med. dent. Sleiter cleans the teeth all the way down to the bone. At the same time, he will remove affected tissue in order to destroy the bacteria’s habitat.

What are the next steps?

Our dental hygienists explain to you how to best take care of your teeth at home. They show you how to utilize dental floss, interdental brushes and the like. We discuss with you when you should come for follow-ups and professional prophylaxis treatments. To stop the periodontitis in the long run, teeth and gums should be controlled regularly.

Can the chronic inflammation be healed?

We cannot heal periodontitis. A chronic inflammation can always return. However, gums and teeth can recover. We can stop the progress of the disease in the long run by frequent follow-ups and a thorough oral hygiene.

What are the costs of a periodontitis treatment?

The costs depend on individual factors. How many interventions are required? Is a conventional therapy sufficient? We will discuss these questions together with you in our clinic. We will provide detailed advice and a transparent cost estimate.

How can you protect yourself against periodontitis?

The best measure against stubborn bacteria is an intensive oral hygiene at home. We can support you with a regular prophylaxis treatment and professional teeth cleaning.

Please refer to the dental hygiene and prophylaxis section to find further valuable information about prevention.