Periodontal disease includes many diseases and symptoms localized to the periodontium, which can be caused by other – even systemic – diseases. The most common type of periodontal disease is periodontitis, but it is always preceded by inflammation of the gums. A thin biofilm consisting of bacteria, known as plaque, is responsible for the development of periodontal diseases. If we do not clean our teeth properly, this plaque hardens over time, turns into tartar, and the bacteria living in it lead to gingivitis. The inflamed gum swells and separates from the surface of the tooth, thereby allowing bacteria to migrate and colonize the tooth, which leads to the destruction of the tissues and ultimately the formation of pockets. The resulting gingivitis and its sequelae, gingival atrophy, can easily lead to inflammation of the jawbone, which can lead to the weakening of the supporting structure of the tooth, the displacement of the tooth, or even its loss in severe cases. Periodontal disease detected in time can be reversed, stopped and treated in its severe state. Treatment can be done in several ways:
- With regular dental hygiene treatment, which basically means the regular removal of tartar and plaque. Dental hygiene treatments should be performed at least every 3-6 months.
- By thoroughly removing the tartar under the gums
- With closed curretage – which aims to reduce the number of bacteria deposited in the formed pouches. During the procedure, the doctor cleans the dental pockets with a special hand tool or an ultrasonic depurator, and polishes the unevenness of the tooth root to reduce the likelihood of later deposits.
- With an open curettage – which takes place in case of more severe periodontal disease. In the case of an open curettage, the doctor uncovers the inflamed area, cleans the surface of the root, removes plaque and inflamed tissue, and disinfects the area.
The key to the basic success of any treatment is the patient's individual oral hygiene. Both during and after the treatment, perfectly plaque-free teeth are necessary in order to ensure healing, maintain a non-inflammatory state, and prevent recurrence, therefore it is important to attend regular oral hygiene treatments and fully comply with the medical instructions for dental care at home.