Periodontitis (periodontal disease) – detect and treat inflammation of the periodontium early
Periodontitis, often still referred to colloquially as periodontal disease, is a widespread bacterial inflammation of the periodontium. It affects not only the gums, but also the deeper structures that anchor your teeth in the jaw.
If periodontitis is left untreated, it can lead to long-term loss of jawbone. As a result, teeth lose their support, become loose and, in advanced stages, may fall out.
Why periodontitis often goes unnoticed and how it develops
A typical problem with periodontitis is that it often causes hardly any symptoms over a long period of time. Many patients do not notice the condition at first, as it is usually painless.
Early signs may include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Sensitive tooth necks
- Loose teeth later on
Because symptoms often only appear in advanced stages, regular check-ups are particularly important.
The cause of periodontitis is a bacterial infection in the gum pockets. Bacterial deposits accumulate there and can lead to chronic inflammation. Over time, this inflammation attacks the periodontium and can gradually break down the jawbone in particular, which is responsible for firmly anchoring the teeth.
How the treatment works
The aim of periodontitis treatment is to reduce the bacterial inflammation and stop the disease from progressing. To do this, bacterial deposits and biofilm are carefully removed from the gum pockets.
Cleaning is usually carried out with fine instruments and modern ultrasound systems under local anaesthetic. In certain cases, additional antibiotic treatment may be useful. These measures target the cause of the inflammation.
After successful cleaning, the gums and periodontium can partially regenerate. However, the prerequisite is that the treated areas remain as inflammation-free as possible in the long term.
Aftercare for long-term healthy teeth
As bacteria can settle in gum pockets again over time, regular aftercare is an essential part of the therapy. Periodontitis is often a chronic condition and therefore requires long-term care. Even after successful treatment, any remaining gum pockets must be checked regularly and cleaned again if necessary.
Only consistent aftercare and good oral hygiene at home can significantly reduce the risk of renewed progression.
With an early diagnosis, consistent treatment and regular aftercare, periodontitis can be well controlled in many cases. The aim is to stabilise the periodontium for as long as possible and support the preservation of your natural teeth.
Further reading: More about root canal treatment and the overview under Treatments