Periodontitis is a serious oral condition which, if not treated in time, can lead to tooth loss. But with modern, personalized treatments, you can stop the progression of this disease and maintain a healthy smile. In this article, you will discover essential information about periodontitis and how you can fight the condition effectively.
What is periodontitis and how does it manifest itself?
Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth. It starts with inflammation of the gums and, if not treated treatment of gingivitiscan progress to destruction of the jawbone and tooth loss.
The main symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing;
- red, swollen or sensitive gums;
- receding gums, which makes teeth appear longer;
- Pocketing between teeth and gums;
- persistent unpleasant mouth odor;
- increased dental mobility;
- in advanced stages, tooth loss.
It’s important to look out for these signs and see a dentist as soon as possible if you notice them.
What causes periodontitis?
The main cause of periodontitis is the buildup of bacterial plaque on the surface of teeth. When this plaque is not removed regularly by brushing and flossing, it hardens and forms tartar. The bacteria in tartar produce toxins that irritate the gums and trigger an inflammatory response.
Other factors that can contribute to the development of periodontitis include:
- poor oral hygiene;
- smoking;
- diabetes mellitus;
- stress;
- certain medicines that reduce salivary flow;
- genetic predisposition;
- hormonal changes (e.g. during pregnancy);
- an unbalanced diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
How can you prevent periodontitis?
Prevention is always easier and cheaper than treatment. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing periodontitis.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily: Floss gets into areas where the toothbrush can’t reach, removing plaque between teeth and along the gum line.
- Use a mouth irrigator: This can be very effective in removing food debris and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas.
- Quit smoking: Smoking significantly increases your risk of developing periodontitis and hinders the healing process.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, which helps keep gums healthy.
- Manage your stress: Chronic stress can damage the immune system and increase the risk of inflammation, including inflammation of the gums.
- Schedule regular visits to the dentist: professional check-ups and cleanings every 6 months can prevent the development of periodontitis and detect problems in their early stages.
Modern treatments for periodontitis
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontitis, don’t despair. There are many modern and effective treatment options that can halt the progression of the disease and even reverse some of its effects. At the EXCEDENT clinic, we offer personalized treatments for periodontitis, tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Laser therapy
One of the most advanced treatment methods for periodontitis is laser therapy. It offers many advantages over traditional methods:
- is less invasive and less painful;
- reduces bleeding and inflammation;
- speeds up the healing process;
- effectively sterilizes periodontal pockets, eliminating harmful bacteria;
- stimulates tissue regeneration.
At EXCEDENT, we use the Biolase laser for the treatment of periodontitis, providing excellent results and a more comfortable patient experience.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
This innovative technology uses an air and fine particle spray system to effectively remove plaque and tartar. GBT is a gentle and painless method of professional teeth cleaning, ideal for periodontitis patients.
Vector Paro
Vector Paro is a state-of-the-art system for cleaning and treating periodontal pockets. It uses ultrasound and a hydroxyapatite solution to remove subgingival deposits and smooth root surfaces, creating the optimal conditions for periodontal tissues to heal.
Plasmolifting
This innovative technique uses plasma enriched with platelets from your own blood to stimulate tissue regeneration and speed up the healing process. Plasmaolifting is particularly effective in treating advanced periodontitis.
Stages of periodontal treatment in EXCEDENT
Depending on the severity of your condition, periodontal treatment at EXCEDENT may include the following steps:
1. For incipient periodontal disease:
- EMS prophylaxis (Guided Biofilm Therapy)
- Laser Bacterial Reduction
- Ultrasonic ultrasound
- Professional brushing
- Air-flow with bicarbonate
- Laser-cleaning
2. For moderate periodontitis (in addition to the previous step):
- Sterilization of periodontal pockets with Laser Biolase
- Vector Paro Therapies
- Laser desensitization of bare roots
- Laser frenectomies to stop gum recession
3. For advanced periodontitis (in addition to the previous stages):
- Tooth immobilization with PMMA splint
- LAPT (Laser Assisted Perio Therapy)
- Plasmolifting
- Laser-assisted periodontal pocket curettage
The importance of maintaining long-term results
After completing the initial treatment, it is essential to maintain the results. This involves:
- Following a rigorous oral hygiene program at home, including proper brushing, flossing and mouth irrigation.
- Regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and professional hygiene. The frequency of these visits will be determined by your doctor, depending on the initial severity of the condition and response to treatment.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, stopping smoking and managing stress effectively.
- Strictly follow your dentist’s recommendations for after-care and use recommended oral hygiene products.
Periodontitis is a serious but treatable condition. With the help of modern technologies and a personalized approach, you can halt the progression of the disease and regain a healthy smile. At EXCEDENT, we are dedicated to providing you with the most advanced and effective periodontal treatments tailored to your specific needs.
Don’t let periodontitis affect your oral health and quality of life. Schedule a consultation at EXCEDENT and take the first step towards a healthy, bright smile. Together, we can stop the progression of periodontitis and give you the personalized treatment you need to regain confidence in your smile.
Schedule a consultation now! Contact the EXCEDENT team: 031 130 14 10.
