What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis, commonly known as periodontitis, is caused by an inflammation of the dental bed. The reason is bacteria on the tooth surfaces and in gum pockets, which settle and secrete acids that attack the teeth and gums - causing the gums to become inflamed. Dentists refer to this stage as gingivitis or inflammation of the gums.
As the disease progresses, gum pockets form, the bacteria multiply and cause gingivitis. If this inflammation now reaches the bone and connective tissue of the periodontium, this is called periodontitis and should be treated immediately to prevent the periodontium from receding, as the loss of teeth is now at stake.
Particularly at risk of contracting periodontitis are smokers, poorly adjusted diabetes patients and patients with poor dental and oral hygiene. What many do not know: From current science, we know today that there is a connection between periodontitis and certain systematic diseases (diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) as well as strokes and dementia. Therefore, the therapy of periodontitis should not be underestimated or neglected.
Periodontitis treatment - procedure and duration
The primary goal of periodontal treatment is to contain the inflammation and remove the bacteria causing it effectively and in the long term to restore healthy gums.
In the first step, teeth and jaws are thoroughly examined. Once the findings are available, the next treatment steps are planned depending on the stage of the inflammation of the periodontium. Basically, careful cleaning of the teeth and gums is an integral part of periodontitis treatment. Plaque is removed thoroughly and tooth surfaces and gum pockets (concrements) are gently cleaned of almost all bacteria, thus minimizing the risk of new bacterial accumulations.
In the case of advanced periodontitis, a tooth and deep cleaning is usually no longer sufficient to get the inflammation under control. In these cases, periodontal surgical treatment measures are necessary to regenerate the connective tissue and, if necessary, to promote the reconstruction of the jawbone.
The duration of the treatment basically depends on the stage of the periodontitis, but a treatment session usually takes between 60 - 120 minutes.
Consequences of periodontitis - gum recession treatment (gum lifting)
If a patient suffers from receding gums, the gums gradually retract, exposing the crown and root of the tooth after a certain time. Gum recession is very often triggered by persistent periodontitis. Gaps and open spaces form, which make it particularly easy for bacteria to accumulate.
In order to avoid severe damage and ultimately the loss of teeth, we recommend treatment of the receding gums. The so-called gum lift offers a modern method of aesthetic gum correction, which moves the gums back into the correct position.
Periodontitis treatment - costs and health insurance
In the case of periodontitis or periodontosis treatment, the statutory health insurance company will fully cover the basic treatment of gum therapy after application and approval. Additional necessary services such as FMD/ FMT (Full Mouth Disinfection), laser therapy and implant treatment must be paid for by the patient.
In the case of private supplementary dental insurance, some additional costs are reimbursed proportionately for those with statutory insurance - depending on the policy agreement. In the case of a private comprehensive health insurance, the periodontal basic therapy is reimbursed up to 100 percent and special services are covered depending on the tariff agreement.
Laser treatment of periodontosis
Modern dentistry enables innovative techniques to effectively treat periodontitis. With the help of laser therapy, the gums and gingival pockets are additionally decontaminated, i.e. freed of bacteria, and the inflammation heals particularly quickly. Surrounding tissue is not damaged during the treatment and the healing of periodontitis can be effectively supported.
Recognizing gum inflammation - symptoms
Typical symptoms of diseased gums are usually bleeding gums, swollen gums and bad breath, visible receding gums (enlargement of teeth) and sensitivity to temperature. If you observe any of these signs, please contact our Seehofer Dental Practice in downtown Munich so that we can contain the inflammation in its early stages. Diabetes patients in particular are at risk and should act quickly in order to have the inflammatory processes treated in time.
The most important thing to prevent periodontosis or periodontitis in the long term is daily dental care and healthy oral hygiene. Twice a year prophylaxis and professional dental cleaning should additionally support daily dental care at home in order to effectively remove stubborn plaque, tartar and discolouration. In addition, the partners should also be regularly examined for periodontitis, as this is an infectious disease. The success of the therapy can be associated with a risk if, for example, the partner is kissed afterwards and the patient becomes infected with the germs again.