Periodontics

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a progressive inflammatory disease of the gingival and the surrounding tissue (bone, periodontal ligament) around the teeth. It destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth.

The main cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of the plaque bacteria. Plaque is an often colorless mass of bacteria, that sticks to teeth, dental fillings, crowns and other tissues in the oral cavity. Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. Plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become red, tender, swollen. If not removed, daily plaque becomes the hard material known as tartar or calculus. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. A hygienist, periodontist or dentist must remove it to stop the disease process.

With time the tissues that attache the gums to the teeth are destroyed by plaque and its byproducts. The gums "pull away" from the teeth and pockets begin to form between the teeth and gums. Plaque and calculus continues to fill these pockets untill eventually, the jawbone supporting the tooth is destroyed.

Untreated periodontal disease will strain the whole organism and will have negative effects on other organs (i.e. cardiovascular). Also Prenatal birth can be triggered. Gums need to be treated as early as possible.

Non surgical treatment

Surgical treatment

Our 4-step concept to cure gingival diseases is aiming to provide for long term success. The most important prerequisite for a long term success rate is oral hygiene at home as well as the regular participation in our prophylaxis program with professional teeth cleaning

Step 1: Professional Prophylaxis Gum diseases in an early stage are easily treatable through consistent oral hygiene measures. This includes professional tooth cleaning and maintenance of gum pockets.

Step 2: Conventional "Curettage" In case of more progressive periodontal disease it is necessary to get rid of the bacterial infection in the gingival pockets. This can be done by so called "Conventional Curettage", the cleaning and softening of the dental root. We use Duerr Vector at this stage - it's most efficient device and, very important, it's painless!

	Step 3: Treatment of infectious tissue with a laser Heavily infected dental tissue will be carefully removed by laser. Bacteria in the dental pockets will be minimized. Subsequently the infection is no longer able to spread and the healing process can begin.
	Step 4: Periodontal surgery If tissue and jaw bone are severely damaged laser assisted surgical treatment is perfomed to reduce the depth of bone pockets and to rebuild lost bone tissue. Nowadays the tissue and degenerated bone can be reconstructed. Biocompatible bone reconstruction materials and special healing/aiding foil membrane are used to get the bone regrow.