What periodontitis is
Periodontitis is a bacterial inflammation of the tooth-supporting tissues. It begins as gum inflammation and, untreated, spreads to the bone and connective tissue that anchor the tooth in the jaw. Pockets form between tooth and gum where deposits collect that cannot be reached with a toothbrush.
Why it must be taken seriously
As the bone breaks down, the teeth lose their support. Periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults and progresses without pain for a long time, which is why it is often recognised late. A connection with other diseases of the body is discussed in research, which is why healthy gums matter beyond the mouth.
How we treat it
It begins with a complete set of findings including measurement of pocket depths. We then clean the root surfaces and remove the deposits below the gumline, under local anaesthesia if needed and over several sessions. In advanced cases a surgical step may be necessary to make deep pockets accessible.
Maintenance therapy
After the active treatment, aftercare decides the long-term success. At individual intervals we check and clean to prevent a flare-up. How often this is necessary depends on your personal risk. Dental hygiene is a fixed part of this.
Prevention
The most effective prevention is thorough daily cleaning of the interdental spaces, complemented by regular dental hygiene. Smoking significantly increases the risk and worsens healing, which is why stopping smoking effectively supports the treatment.
