Treating gum disease (periodontitis) – keeping your gums healthy
Gum disease (periodontitis) is a chronic inflammation of the tissues that hold your teeth in place: the gums and the bone in which the teeth are anchored. It is one of the most common conditions affecting the mouth, and one of the main reasons adults lose teeth.
The reassuring news is that, when it is caught early and treated consistently, the inflammation can be stopped in most cases. At our practice at Gärtnerplatz, we treat gum disease thoroughly and gently, and we continue to look after you in the long term so that it does not return.
How does gum disease develop?
The cause is bacteria in plaque and tartar. If this build-up is left along the gum line, the gums become inflamed. Over time, pockets form between the gum and the tooth, where the bacteria continue to multiply. Eventually the inflammation reaches the jawbone, which is gradually lost.
Some factors raise the risk – smoking, diabetes, stress and a family tendency, for example. And untreated gum disease does not only affect the mouth: chronic inflammation can put a strain on the whole body.
Warning signs worth noticing
- gums that bleed when you brush or eat
- red or swollen gums
- receding gums and exposed tooth necks
- persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- teeth that feel loose or have started to move
Gum disease often progresses for a long time without any pain, which is why it is frequently noticed only at a late stage. If you recognise any of these signs, we would recommend having the cause looked into.
Our treatment in three stages
- Initial treatment: We remove plaque and tartar, measure the depth of the gum pockets and show you how best to clean your teeth and the spaces between them.
- Deep cleaning: Under local anaesthetic, we thoroughly clean the gum pockets and the root surfaces.
- Follow-up: Over the following months, we check how your gums are healing and agree on your ongoing aftercare together.
Aftercare: keeping the inflammation at bay
Gum disease is a chronic condition, so regular aftercare is what matters most once treatment is complete. At set intervals, we check the gum pockets and give your teeth a professional clean. Together with good care at home, this often means you can keep your teeth for many years.
Frequently asked questions about gum disease
Can gum disease be cured?
In most cases, the inflammation can be brought to a halt. Bone that has already been lost does not usually grow back by itself, however. That is all the more reason to treat it early and to protect the result with regular aftercare.
Is the treatment painful?
The deep cleaning of the gum pockets is carried out under local anaesthetic. Your gums may feel tender for a few days afterwards, but this usually settles quickly.
What is the difference between periodontitis and periodontosis?
In everyday speech, the two terms are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, periodontitis is the inflammatory disease – and that is almost always what is meant. Receding gums with no inflammation at all are much less common.
Will my health insurance cover the costs?
Statutory health insurance covers systematic treatment of periodontitis, including aftercare, provided the necessary requirements are met. We will explain the costs to you in detail beforehand.
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