An inflammation of the periodontium is referred to as a periodontitis, colloquially called paradontosis. In a relapsing running process, the inflammation destroys tooth tissue and bone that are responsible for the attachment of the tooth. This may take years or decades, but, without treatment, results in the loosening of teeth and is considered, besides the dental caries, as the main cause of loss of teeth.
Periodontitis is primary caused by dental plaque that is located on the tooth surfaces and gaps between teeth and causes a chronic inflammatory response of the body.
Many factors play a role in the disease of the periodontium:
The more aggressive are the bacteria and the weaker is the body's defense, the sooner and more the disease occurs. As a result, the gum starts to detach from the tooth, and it comes to the formation of gum pockets, in which bacteria causing periodontitis is continued to multiply. The gum pockets get deeper, increasing the number of particularly pathogenic bacterial species. The gum goes back, and the tissue and the surrounding bone get reduced further. The tooth loses its grip and gets loose. Often, the periodontitis is noticed for the first time only at this late period. But periodontitis can develop even without perceiving distinct signs of it. Numerous studies have demonstrated that periodontal bacteria and inflammation substances come through the gum tissue into the blood circulation system and, hence, can negatively impact the entire body.
A consequence of untreated periodontitis can be, for example, an increased risk for complications during the pregnancy (preeclampsia, premature births and low weight at birth). There is also a scientifically guaranteed connection between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases. The bacteria unleashed by periodontitis and inflammation substances were detected in arteriosclerosis, and they encourage the emergence of a stroke or heart attack. Most diabetics are at risk of a periodontitis, and the most of sufferers are not aware of it.
At first, an accurate inventory of your periodontium is performed by measuring the depth of the gingival pockets. In addition, the preparation of X-ray images takes place. Even the taking of a microbial sample (smear test) in severe forms of periodontitis is carried out in this session. This test examines the organic film on marker germs that, as proven, can lead to periodontitis. Furthermore, an interleukin 1 genetic test is performed to determine the genetic risk to get periodontitis. An additional antibiotic treatment may be necessary depending on the result of the test.
In case of the so-called deep cleansing, impurities from periodontal pockets are removed with special instruments under local anesthesia. In addition, we offer you a photodynamic therapy with laser for bacteria reduction. Thus, in some cases, the antibiotic may be omitted.