Periodontics - Specialised field of dentistry

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth, which manifests itself in a mild form as gingivitis, but without treatment it can spread and even lead to tooth loss. The two basic types of periodontal disease have different causes:

1. Chronic periodontal disease – slow-onset, milder form, more common.
2. Aggressive periodontal disease – can occur at a young age and can affect several teeth or even the whole gum; genetic factors are involved.

Periodontitis is a serious health risk as bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause disease in distant organs.

The consequences of periodontitis

• Joint problems – bacteria can infect joints, causing pain.
• Patchy hair loss – inflammation can cause hair loss.
• Pregnancy risks – increases the risk of premature birth in expectant mothers.
• Cardiovascular disease – increases the risk.
• Diabetes – worsens the condition of diabetic patients.

Preventing and treating periodontal disease is therefore of paramount importance to keep teeth and the whole body healthy.

Periodontics is a dental specialty specialising in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontists treat gingivitis and periodontitis, restoring the health of the gums and periodontium.

• Oral hygiene education (instruction, motivation)
• Professional dental cleaning: tartar removal
  • Regular dental cleaning, removal of tartar and plaque is the first step in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. This involves cleaning teeth with ultrasonic and manual instruments to eliminate bacterial build-up.
• Replacing old, ill-fitting dentures (these can be plaque reservoirs and collectors)
• Closed curetteage
  • Closed curettage is a form of non-surgical treatment in which the root surface of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to remove bacteria. This helps your gums heal and reduces the depth of your gum pockets.
• Open curette (flap surgery)
  • This surgery involves cutting through the gum to reach the deeper infected tissue and thoroughly clean your root surface. The periodontal therapy allows the gum to reattach properly and stabilize the periodontium.
• Splinting
  • Loose teeth are stabilized by splinting by the periodontist.
• Periodontal regeneration therapies (bone grafting, membrane therapy)
  • These treatments help to restore your lost bone and gum tissue, for example by using bone substitutes and special membranes to support tissue regeneration.
• Gum therapy, gum surgery and gum shaping
  • If the level of your gums is uneven or excessively receded, gum surgery can restore their aesthetic appearance and the health of your periodontium. Gum shaping can also be used specifically for aesthetic purposes, for example if you want a perfect smile line and confidence.

The main symptoms of periodontal disease can include severe tartar build-up, unpleasant breath, swelling, bleeding, receding gums and tooth movement.

• Acquired causes: improper oral care routine
• Local plaque factors: plaque retaining and plaque collecting sites – e.g. old, ill-fitting dentures
• Inherited factors
• External factors: smoking, some medicines
• Health factors: diabetes, osteoporosis, various immune deficiency conditions
• Hormonal changes in the body

Inflammation causes the gum tissues to soften (the gums are no longer firm) and the next stage, which is the most unpleasant consequence, is tooth decay or loss of a tooth, which unfortunately can only be repaired by tooth replacement.

Cervical sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors, and common causes include improper tooth cleaning technique. Using strong-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive toothpastes, grinding your teeth at night and eating acidic foods and drinks can all contribute to the development of sensitivity.

With a good dental care routine and regular dental check-ups, periodontal disease can be prevented. In most cases, prevention is actually the only sure cure for irreversible bone damage.

• Soft-bristled toothbrushes: using fine-bristled toothbrushes reduces the risk of cervical abrasion and sensitivity.
• Flossing and mouthwash: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. It is advisable to seek advice from a dentist or dental hygienist on the most appropriate tools to use, whether it is an electric toothbrush, dental floss or mouthwash.
• Treating gum recession: If sensitivity is caused by gum disease, gum restoration can relieve pain by making the root of the tooth more protected.
• Reducing acidic foods and drinks: limiting acidic foods and drinks and brushing at the right time (after at least an hour) can reduce tooth sensitivity from acid exposure.

So cervical sensitivity can be significantly reduced with professional treatment, but for best results it is worth preventing cervical wear and receding gums.

Tartar doesn’t just build up on the surface of the teeth – if the gums separate from the tooth, it can also form in areas under the gums where bacteria can adhere, causing ongoing inflammation in the gums and later the periodontium.

Periodontists are trained to perform oral surgery (tooth extractions, wisdom tooth surgery, cyst removals, implant placement, bone grafting, etc….) while learning additional surgical procedures: open curettage, gum surgery, gum grafting, crown lengthening, etc.

• Regular brushing: Thoroughly cleaning the areas around the gums in a circular motion helps to remove food debris and plaque.
• Dental cleaning: Professional tartar removal is necessary and should be carried out annually or every three months depending on individual needs.

As the susceptibility to tartar and gingivitis is also influenced by genetic and hormonal factors, it is worth consulting your dentist about appropriate oral care techniques and timing.

Causes and effective treatment of gingivitis: How to stop receding gums.

Gum atrophy or gum recession is caused by a variety of factors such as periodontal disease, improper oral care and genetic predisposition. Unfortunately, it cannot be remedied with vitamins or home remedies, and the removal of tartar also requires expertise.

The first sign of periodontitis is inflamed gums that are red, swollen and often bleed, especially when brushing. It is red and red, red and red when it is sore and red when it is red and red, and it is also red and red when it is sore.

Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate tooth cleaning, when plaque is left where the teeth meet the gums. This plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria that cause inflammation. A secondary cause is tartar, which can only be removed by a professional in a dental practice.