Periodontology: preserving the periodontium

Effective treatment of periodontal diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis – gentle and minimally invasive.

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Why periodontitis so often goes unnoticed

Periodontal diseases usually take a painless course and are often only noticed by patients at a late stage. Left untreated, they lead to the loss of teeth.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periodontium. It is caused by bacteria that accumulate between the tooth and the gum. Modern periodontal techniques make effective treatment possible – the earlier, the better.

More recent research findings show that chronic periodontitis increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. In pregnant women the risk of premature birth is also increased. Recognising periodontal disease in good time and treating it therefore has a particularly important preventive significance.

Illustration: healthy gums compared with inflamed gums

Healthy and inflamed gums in comparison

Reddened, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing the teeth and bad breath are the first warning signs. Later, receding gums, sensitive tooth necks and loosened teeth are added.

We therefore regularly record the Periodontal Screening Index (PSI). The examination is painless and takes only a few minutes.

Illustration of an inflamed gum pocket with an instrument

Preserving tissue with periodontal therapy

A systematic periodontal treatment begins with a thorough examination to record the findings. Once the findings have been recorded, we draw up an individual therapy plan.

As part of a professional tooth cleaning we remove pathological deposits on the tooth surfaces, clean the gum pockets and let the gum reattach to the healthy tooth. Gum pockets and root surfaces are cleaned thoroughly under local anaesthetic; hard deposits deep below the gum are removed and the roots are smoothed.

Tissue-preserving, minimally invasive methods enable us to clean even deeper gum pockets. In this way existing tissue can be preserved in many cases.

Minimally surgical procedures

Minimally surgical procedures are at the heart of contemporary periodontal surgical treatment. We use them when deep gum pockets still remain after all conservative methods have been applied.

Under direct vision, root smoothing and curettage are carried out, as well as the elimination of niches harbouring bacteria and of deep gum and bone pockets. We remove inflamed tissue as gently as possible.

Illustration of receding gums with exposed tooth necks

Aesthetic gum correction

Receding gums can also cause pain through exposed tooth necks and hypersensitivity. Exposed roots react sensitively to cold and heat.

Recession coverage

The loss of gum tissue can often be treated with a surgical procedure. Aesthetic considerations are among the most frequent reasons for recession coverage. Before new tissue is built up, we treat existing inflammation with appropriate preventive measures. The aim is to cover the root surface as completely as possible.

Inserting bone replacement material into a bone defect

Promoting bone regeneration

Human bone has the ability to rebuild missing bone itself. In most cases it needs support to do so: bone replacement materials can promote the body's own processes of bone regeneration.

In the case of larger defects we promote the formation of new bone with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and regenerative materials. The patient's own bone or bone replacement material is placed into the bone pocket during a surgical procedure. Over time the body breaks down the foreign material and replaces it with the body's own bone.

Sequence of regenerative periodontal therapy with enamel matrix proteins in three steps

Enamel matrix proteins in periodontal therapy

With enamel matrix proteins, a regenerative therapeutic procedure has been introduced into periodontology with the help of which a periodontium that has previously been lost through periodontitis can be formed anew.

Enamel matrix proteins enable the body to restore the natural periodontium consisting of root cementum, fibre bundles and bone.

The most important points at a glance

  • Periodontitis is a bacterial inflammation of the periodontium and remains painless for a long time.
  • Left untreated, it leads to bone loss and to the loss of teeth.
  • Therapy begins with recording the findings (PSI), advice on oral hygiene and thorough cleaning of the gum pockets.
  • In the case of deep pockets, minimally surgical procedures, bone augmentation or enamel matrix proteins are added.
  • Chronic periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and premature birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I recognise periodontitis?
Early signs are bleeding gums when brushing, reddened or swollen gums and bad breath. Later, receding gums, sensitive tooth necks and loosened teeth are added. Because the disease usually runs its course without pain, we regularly record the Periodontal Screening Index.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
The cleaning of the gum pockets is carried out under local anaesthesia and is therefore free of pain. In the days that follow, the gums may be sensitive.
Does receded gum tissue grow back?
Not on its own, as a rule. With surgical techniques such as recession coverage, however, an exposed root surface can be covered again in many cases. The prerequisite is that the inflammation has healed beforehand.
What happens after the treatment?
Periodontitis is a chronic disease. The active therapy is followed by supportive aftercare with regular appointments - usually two to four times a year. This aftercare is decisive for whether the result remains stable.
Does health insurance cover the treatment?
Systematic periodontitis therapy is a benefit of the German statutory health insurers where the findings justify it. Preparatory measures such as professional tooth cleaning and individual surgical and regenerative procedures are not. You receive a clear breakdown in advance.