Periodontology – What does it mean and how can periodontal disease be treated?
What does periodontology mean and what does it deal with?
This specialty not only focuses on treating existing diseases but also plays a key role in prevention and early diagnosis. Timely intervention significantly increases the chances of long-term tooth retention.
Modern Periodontal Procedures
Besides tooth decay, periodontal disease is most often attributed to poor oral hygiene and improper or irregular tooth cleaning. If left untreated, it can unfortunately lead to more serious problems such as loosening of teeth, and in the worst case, tooth loss.
Diseases of the periodontium and gums can be stopped!
Periodontology is essentially a branch of science that deals with diseases of the system surrounding and supporting the tooth, as well as the gums, and their treatment. While periodontal disease was once considered untreatable, today all emerging problems can be remedied if we act in time. Of course, it’s helpful to know what symptoms might indicate gum recession or other issues.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Several symptoms can warn you that it’s time to visit the dental office. If your gums are red, swollen, and you frequently experience gum bleeding and pain, periodontal disease is often the cause. Loosening teeth can also indicate this, and it is often accompanied by bad breath.
The most common symptoms:
- gum bleeding
- swollen, sensitive gums
- bad breath
- gum recession
- loose teeth
Causes of Periodontal Disease
The most common cause of periodontal disease is inadequate oral hygiene. Plaque that accumulates on the teeth hardens over time and turns into tartar, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria.
Other contributing factors may include:
- smoking
- genetic predisposition
- hormonal changes
- diabetes
- weakened immune system
Inflammation caused by bacteria can eventually lead to damage of the tissues supporting the teeth.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease develops in several stages. The first stage is gingivitis, where the gums become red and bleed easily.
At this stage, the process is still completely reversible!
If left untreated, the disease progresses to periodontitis, where the bone supporting the teeth is also damaged. In severe cases, teeth may loosen and even fall out.
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Periodontal Treatments
Non-surgical treatments
In the initial stage, when the unpleasant symptoms only affect the gums, regular and thorough brushing, along with the use of dental floss and interdental brushes, may be sufficient.
Surgical Interventions
If the disease has already reached the bone surrounding the tooth, the process can only be stopped with professional treatments. These may include tartar removal, closed or open curettage, and gum correction.
The course of treatment
As a first step, ultrasonic scaling helps remove plaque and discoloration found on the teeth, above/below the gums. This is followed by subgingival scaling, or closed curettage. This is performed under local anesthesia using hand instruments. The exposed root surface is then cleaned and smoothed, which can eliminate the inflammatory condition of the bone supporting the teeth.
However, if all this is not enough, surgical intervention is required to restore or replace damaged tissues. Finally, function and aesthetics come to the forefront, which can be restored with custom implants and cleanable dental prostheses.
After Periodontal Treatment
After various procedures, always follow the instructions and advice given by your treating dentist! If you have undergone a more serious intervention, it may be important to use an ice pack for cooling and painkillers to alleviate any potential pain.
Regardless of the treatment you’ve received, avoiding smoking clearly helps maintain the desired outcome. And most importantly, it is crucial to place great emphasis on maintaining proper oral hygiene, and it is advisable to schedule dental check-ups every 3-4 months, in addition to periodic tartar removal.
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When should you see a periodontist?
It is advisable to consult a specialist if you experience the following symptoms:
- regular gum bleeding
- swollen or sensitive gums
- bad breath
- loose teeth
- gum recession
Early detection is key to saving your teeth!
Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
Can gum recession be reversed?
How long does treatment last?
Periodontal and gum diseases are preventable!
Since in most cases improper oral care initiates the disease, inflammation and recession of the gums can be prevented with regular maintenance. Poor oral hygiene eventually leaves behind hardened plaque, on which millions of bacteria can settle. These then first cause gingivitis, but later also initiate the breakdown of the bone supporting the teeth.
Subsequently, a gum pocket forms, and tartar also develops under the gums, which can no longer be removed with any home tools. As a result, bacteria begin to attack the supporting tissues. In addition to proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups also play a major role in prevention, helping to detect any existing problems in time.
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Contact Details
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Budapest, 7th district
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