Periodontitis treatment
- gentle, systematic and regenerative with individual aftercare
Periodontitis is a chronic, multifactorial, inflammatory disease of the periodontium associated with bacterial plaque and characterized by progressive destruction of the periodontium. A distinction is made between apical periodontitis (originating from the root apex) and marginal periodontitis (originating from the gingival margin). The two types of periodontitis can also merge into each other (paro-endo-lesions).
The therapy consists in eliminating the inflammatory state of the gums and periodontium and removing plaque and tartar, as well as factors that promote inflammation and the pathogenic bacterial flora. The treatment is divided into different phases with different measures.
Hygiene phase
In the so-called hygiene phase, all hard and soft plaque above the gum line is removed by a professional dental cleaning (PZR). During this process, the patient is also shown how to perform optimal dental care at home. This step usually has to be repeated. In addition, fillings must be placed or renewed if necessary during this phase and teeth that are not worth preserving must be extracted in order to eliminate further bacterial foci in the oral cavity. Bacterial growth can be reduced by using various rinsing liquids or medications. These hygiene measures alone can lead to a noticeable improvement in many patients.
Treatment phase
The closed treatment phase then begins, during which the hard and soft plaque lying below the gum line is removed. This is done with hand instruments as well as with sonic and ultrasonic devices. After one to two weeks of healing, the result of this treatment is checked by assessing the healing of the gums and, if necessary, repeating the measures on individual areas.
After 3-6 months, the long-term result is checked by measuring the probing depths of the gum pockets again. In addition, a thorough cleaning is carried out above the gums and, if necessary, individual pockets can be cleaned deeper again. This regular check-up is carried out regularly depending on the degree of the disease.
In the case of very deep gum pockets, which have not receded sufficiently through the hygiene measures and the closed treatment, it may be necessary to switch to the open treatment phase. In this case, the gum pockets are opened and the roots of the teeth are cleaned, also using minimally invasive methods such as ultrasound. Thanks to the most modern methods, such periodontal surgery procedures can be performed very gently today. Under certain conditions, it makes sense to supplement the treatment with the use of antibiotics.
Individual aftercare
After periodontitis treatment, lifelong maintenance therapy is necessary, consisting of regular oral hygiene by the patient and equally regular professional dental cleanings. The latter should be performed every 3-6 months depending on the severity of the disease.
