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RomânăWhat is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a bacterial inflammation of the periodontium, the structures that anchor the tooth in the jaw: gums, periodontal ligament and jawbone. It usually develops from long-standing gum inflammation (gingivitis) that spreads to deeper structures. If left untreated, it leads to loss of the bone around the teeth and eventually to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Why periodontitis is often overlooked
Unlike tooth decay, periodontitis does not hurt for a long time. The first signs are often just slightly bleeding gums or occasional bad breath. These are symptoms that many people do not take seriously at first. That is exactly why regular check-ups are so important.
Early warning signs
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is worth having them checked:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gum margins
- Persistent unpleasant breath or taste in the mouth
- Receding gums (“the teeth look longer”)
- Sensitive tooth necks when chewing or with cold drinks
- Teeth that become loose or shift slightly
Risk factors
Some factors increase the risk of developing periodontitis:
- Smoking: the most important avoidable risk factor
- Diabetes mellitus: poorly controlled diabetes makes the disease progress faster
- Genetic predisposition: in some people, the immune system reacts more strongly
- Stress: affects the body’s defences
- Pregnancy: hormonal changes increase susceptibility
- Certain medications (e.g. immunosuppressants)
Our treatment in stages
We follow a structured, step-by-step concept that is well established in dental science. Which stages are relevant for you depends on the severity and course of your condition.
Diagnostics
We record the Periodontal Screening Index (PSI) as an initial risk assessment. If anything stands out, this is followed by a detailed periodontal examination, measuring all gum pockets and taking X-rays.
Preliminary treatment
Before the actual therapy: thorough professional teeth cleaning, oral hygiene instruction and removal of all surface deposits.
Non-surgical periodontal therapy
Under local anaesthetic, the root surfaces below the gum line are thoroughly cleaned, usually in one or two sessions. If needed, antimicrobial rinses or local antibiotics are used in support.
Re-evaluation
After about 6 to 8 weeks, we check how successful the treatment has been. In most cases the inflammation has clearly subsided.
Surgical therapy (if necessary)
With deep residual pockets or complex anatomy, a small surgical procedure can be useful so that the affected areas can be cleaned under direct vision.
Supportive periodontal therapy (UPT)
The most important phase: regular check-ups, usually every 3 to 4 months, arranged with you during your visit. We check the condition, clean areas at risk in a targeted way and adapt your care strategy. Without this phase, the disease returns in many cases.
What you can do yourself
- Clean between your teeth every day with dental floss or interdental brushes
- Brush consistently but not aggressively, using a soft brush
- For smokers: stopping smoking often halves the progression of the disease
- Keep the check-ups you have arranged, with no gaps in your aftercare plan
- Have your general health (e.g. diabetes) well managed
Good to know
Periodontitis is a chronic disease. It can be treated successfully, but not “cured” in the strict sense. The bacteria that cause it remain permanently in the mouth. With good aftercare, however, the disease stays in a stable, non-progressive state. We support you on this path in the long term.