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What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that is observed by the degradation of the bone and of the gums itself. It is unfortunately often quiet and painless, which makes it hard to detect on time.

Where does periodontitis come from?

It is caused by the accumulation of food and scale between the teeth and the gums. The food contributes to the bacterial growth at the specific region causing a inflammatory response from the body. The inflammation destroys the bacterias, and the surrounding tissues, leaving a hole between the teeth and the gumline. Theoretically, the body healths after a period of inflammation, but since hygiene habits maintain unchanged, the hole newly created fills up with food rather quickly. The bacterias multiply, the inflammation destroys... and it is a vicious cycle of destruction.

The most important factors that help periodontitis to progress are: heredity, smoking, stress, diabetes and other general diseases.

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

The usual symptoms of periodontitis are gums bleeding, persistent bad breath, irritation to hot and cold food, red and swollen gums and possible lost of gums material (receding gums). In more advanced phases, there is noticeable loose teeth.

How to treat periodontitis?

First of all, a detailed exam of the gums is necessary to target the problematic areas in the mouth.

Then, all the debris and sick tissues must be eliminated to allow the gums to heal. To eliminate the infected tissues, manual and ultrasonic instruments, in combination with an antibacterial solution and a laser. In more advanced cases, an antibiotic can be necessary.

To treat periodontitis, the earlier the treatments are done, the better the chances of healing properly.

What is the purpose of the laser in gums treatment?

The laser treatment has a biostimulation effect, that allows faster healing, elimination of the infected tissues (curettage), less discomfort following the treatment, reduction of inflammation and disinfection of the pockets. Therefore, it allows a fast and ideal healing from a healthy and clean environment.

Are the treatments painful?

The majority of patients are treated without anaesthetic except for the complex cases and loose teeth. Normally, the patients will feel a certain sensitivity, but nothing unsupportable. If you prefer treatment with anaesthetics, ask your treating dentist.

Does periodontitis disappear after the treatment?

Periodontitis is a chronic disease. It is why we tend to refer to it as control and stability of the healing process, rather than a total healing. From there comes the importance of the follow-up appointments. In the case of smoking, often we observe a refractory periodontitis in smokers.

What are the complications if I do not treat my periodontitis?

If the infection progresses, there are repercussions on the rest of the body. In fact, researches demonstrate more and more correlation between periodontitis and many systemic diseases such as: cardio-respiratory diseases, premature childbirth, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis and complications in diabetes.

I am a smoker, what are the repercussions of smoking on my gums?

Proofs are irrefutable on the fact that smoking is the main extrinsic factor causing periodontal diseases. Not only it diminishes the quantity of saliva, stains the teeth and surcharges the tongue, it makes the gums more susceptible to periodontal disease. The severity of periodontitis is directly proportional to the quantity of cigarettes smoked daily.

Do insurances reimburse the costs of gums treatments?

Gums treatments are part of basic dental treatments, consequently, your insurance plan normally covers it. However, the insurances limit the number of times you can benefit from a scaling, so it is possible that you will have to pay for the laser appointment and the follow-ups. A verification before your first visit would allow clarification of your situation.

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