Gingivitis
Gingivitis usually begins caused by bacterial contamination in the spaces between the teeth. It is one of the most common precursors of periodontitis.
Diseases of the Tooth-Supporting Apparatus
Inflammatory diseases of the tooth-supporting apparatus (periodontium) are among the most common diseases overall. In addition to bacteria, immunological and genetic factors also play a role in the development of periodontitis it is referred to as a multifactorial origin.
The bacteria that cause periodontitis play a key role in this process. An inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting apparatus can affect one or more teeth at the same time, regardless of age.
Bacterial deposits often cannot be completely removed during daily dental care, so that harder deposits so-called tartar develop. As part of the inflammatory process, the gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding.
If this stage is not treated professionally, the tooth-supporting fibers and jawbone become affected: the teeth involved lose their intact tooth-supporting apparatus, begin to loosen, and can eventually be lost.
Conditions & Treatment
From Gingivitis to Periodontitis
The earlier a disease is detected, the better the tooth-supporting apparatus can be preserved.
Periodontitis
The inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting apparatus can occur regardless of age and requires targeted, professional treatment.
Regeneration
Larger defects can be rebuilt using autogenous bone or artificial bone substitute materials as part of guided tissue regeneration (GBR).
The Path to a Healthy Gum Situation
For all periodontal diseases, a thorough medical history and careful assessment of findings are carried out first. In addition to clinical and radiological findings, measuring the periodontal pockets to determine the periodontal screening index is particularly important.
Based on this initial therapy, we plan the further treatment steps together with you from professional cleaning to regenerative procedures if bone has already been lost.
Key Points at a Glance
- Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting apparatus and, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss.
- Gingivitis (gum inflammation) is often a precursor to periodontitis.
- Treatment begins with thorough diagnostics, including measurement of the gum pockets.
- If bone has already been lost, regenerative procedures (GBR) can rebuild the tooth-supporting apparatus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis affects only the gums and is reversible. If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, in which the tooth-supporting fibers and the jawbone are also affected.
How can I recognize periodontitis?
Typical signs are bleeding gums, redness, swelling, and gum recession. We make a reliable diagnosis by measuring the gum pockets.
Can lost jawbone be rebuilt?
For suitable defects, guided tissue regeneration (GBR) with autogenous bone or bone substitute material is possible to rebuild lost bone.
Is periodontitis contagious?
The causative bacteria can be transmitted through close saliva contact, but whether a disease develops depends heavily on individual factors such as the immune system and oral hygiene.