Vitalitas Zahnimplantate - Bleaching, Veneers und mehr

Expert Meeting on periodontitis

Chief physician practice Prof. Dr. Dhom & Partner

President of the German Society of Implantology (DGI)

Time and again we hear from the serious effects of periodontal disease and periodontal disease on the dental health of the population.

Vitalitas: What is periodontal disease?

Prof. Dhom: When periodontal disease is a disease of the gums and thus of the tissue that surrounds the tooth in the mouth, that is underneath the gums and jaw bones. In healthy people, the teeth with their roots firmly anchored in the jaw bone. Unfortunately, this is a minority. Over 80% of our population there is a disease of the gums. Thus, the gum disease is next to the caries disease as No. 1

Vitalitas: How can I determine if I have gum disease?

Prof. Dhom: You can remember the fact that their gums bleed from time to time - not just brushing your teeth - but spontaneously when speaking or eating smaller bleeding also occur. You can also see that the gums swollen and discolored dark red is. This is an alarm signal, which is used by many people, unfortunately, not taken seriously. If one does not detect the disease at this stage, it can progress very slowly and insidiously and run a long time unnoticed, as often occur far from being a pain. In the course back then forms not only the gums but also the underlying bone that holds the tooth root so. Consequently, the teeth start to wobble then at some point go and lost or fall out. Another distinguishing feature is that one often finds a hypersensitivity to the teeth. By this I mean that in hot and cold or sweet or sour market foods like pulling a heavy feel a nerve pain. The third distinguishing feature is an unpleasant mouth odor, which you so often perceives himself not only noticed but the people. In very rare cases, but this is indicated because it is perceived as rather unpleasant. Very important in all cases, you can give yourself a checkup with your dentist appointment.

Vitalitas: How could something like Germany, with the standard of care found in?

Prof. Dhom: Yes, that's a good question. I believe it is partly because the dental health care - also called prophylaxis - only in recent years has gained importance in Germany, and that the periodontal disease, not much attention has been paid. Only in the last few years, some dentists by additional studies have specialized in the treatment of periodontal diseases. One can see these dentists at the additional designation of "Areas of Periodontology. In our clinic alone, two specialists dealing with this particular disease and patient education. The periodontal disease is an infectious disease - ie. is caused by bacteria - the disease is so contagious. You can transfer these bacteria and germs your life partner and also to their children. This also explains the high percentage of cases in our country. In addition, it also has implications for the health.

Vitalitas: What does this mean?

Prof. Dhom: This means that when you are suffering from periodontal disease a significantly higher risk of a heart attack to get. Pregnant women have to suffer an increased risk of premature birth. Also in diabetic patients may have a negative effect of periodontal disease. An untreated periodontitis loaded so the entire body. The bacteria can cause harm to the blood stream the entire body and organs. This health risk is often underestimated.

Vitalitas: Is gum disease predisposition or what are the causes?

Prof. Dhom: partial disposition, yes - the main cause of the disease is a bacterial plaque, which often combined with numerous personal risk factors in triggering the disease first. These risk factors include smoking on the one hand, then hormonal changes, diabetes, immune disorders and genetic factors.

Vitalitas: How can I be safe for patient and that I do not have periodontal disease?

Prof. Dhom: first, is very important that your dentist check-up with your exercise regularly and there are also professional screening test with which the periodontal disease can be determined reliably. Among other things, for example, germination tests and genetic tests that are frequently used in specialized clinics on Periodontology.

Vitalitas: What needs to be done, if I am periodontal determined? Can you handle that?

Prof. Dhom: In any case, we can successfully treat periodontal disease. It is important that a systematic treatment approach is applied. First of a detailed consultation is related to a preliminary investigation. Periodontal pockets were measured and the individual's personal situation is analyzed. Upon completion of the diagnosis (examination), the patient receives a detailed documentation on the intended course of treatment.

Vitalitas: How does the treatment take?

Prof. Dhom: The treatment is divided into 3 sections:

First step, the pre-treatment, followed by the actual treatment of periodontitis and the third step is the follow-up.

Vitalitas: What about the cost of using? Paid the health insurance

Prof. Dhom: Yes, insurance companies will pay you 100% of the periodontal treatment. Condition for this claim, however, is that the patient has completed a successful pre-treatment at their own expense. Especially the pre-treatment is important, specially trained staff who are trained by our specialists take care of the periodontitis patients. The extent and duration of treatment may vary depending upon the severity of the disease. The costs are according to expenditure of between 100 and 300EUR.

Vitalitas: What are the chances of success because, if I am such a treatment under wear? I then healed?

Prof. Dhom: The chances of success are very good and the treatment usually leads to healing. After completion of therapy rarely small post-corrections are also unnecessary. However, it must be said that, since it is a chronic disease like diabetes, it is also, it is a lifelong follow-up necessity. Depending on your personal risk profile, a specially developed by us after-care program is 2 to 4 times per year are necessary to maintain the outcome achieved stable. So you can ensure that you can keep your own teeth. They therefore protect yourself, your children and partner tooth loss. You can build a protective shield to your teeth and gums and also avoid the often so unpleasant mouth odor. They have clean teeth and healthy gums and experience well-being in the mouth.

Thank you for this conversation.