Periodontology

Periodontology, or periodontics, is the discipline devoted to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the periodontium, the tissue that supports the teeth (the gums, supporting bone and ligaments).

The diseases concerned are gingivitis and periodontitis, which lead to “loosening” of the teeth and eventual tooth loss.

Clinique Sana Oris has a team of practitioners and assistants dedicated to periodontology.

  • Periodontal check-up

    Periodontal check-up

    The periodontal check-up is used during the consultation to identify whether the gums are infected, thanks to a microscopic examination of a sample of dental plaque, which enables a diagnosis of periodontal disease to be made.

  • Laser disinfection

    Laser disinfection

    Disinfection is a stage in the treatment of periodontal disease. Its aim is to disinfect periodontal pockets and reduce gum inflammation.

  • Gum grafting

    Gum grafting

    Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that consists of restoring thickness and height to damaged gums to correct gingival recession.

  • Descaling

    Descaling

    Scaling can only be carried out on gums that are healthy and free from periodontal disease. It removes the plaque that has built up on the tooth enamel, providing a haven for various pathogenic bacteria.

  • Tooth brushing / hygiene care

    Tooth brushing / hygiene care

    The periodontics team at our clinic can help you adopt the right habits and offer you consultations dedicated to dental hygiene.

The different types of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease occurs when the tissues supporting the teeth become infected.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two types of periodontal disease, most of which are infectious in origin. Prompt treatment is essential, as the development of the disease leads to tooth mobility and loosening.

GINGIVITIS

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. The gum-teeth junction is colonised by bacteria that trigger inflammation of the gums. Red, swollen and painful, the gum becomes detached from the tooth and tartar accumulates under the gum. At an advanced stage, if left untreated, gingivitis develops into periodontitis.

PARODONTITIS

In the periodontitis stage, the destruction concerns the jawbone and the supporting ligaments that anchor the teeth (dental alveolar ligament). Periodontal pockets form and bacteria accumulate there, with varying degrees of pus. Eventually, the tooth loosens and can be lost, sometimes accompanied by a very painful purulent collection.

The different types of gum disease

Certain abnormalities of the gums may be indicative of a pathology. It is important to carry out a periodontal check-up as soon as possible to identify the cause of these symptoms or associated pain, and to treat the pathology at its source.

ULCERS

Oral ulcers are sores that form on the surface of the mucous membrane of the mouth. These lesions can be identified by their white or yellow centre surrounded by an inflamed red border. Caused by poor dental hygiene, certain foods or a bite, they often appear on the inside of the cheeks, on the lips, under the tongue, on the floor of the mouth or at the base of the gums.

While these mouth ulcers are rarely dangerous, they can be very painful. It is therefore advisable to treat them quickly with a mouthwash.

ABCES

A periodontal abscess is a pus-filled pocket that develops in the gum. This infection can be caused by an accumulation of dental plaque, food particles or lack of brushing. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences for the teeth and jawbone.

CHRONIC BLEEDING

Gums can bleed occasionally and temporarily following the consumption of certain difficult foods, aggressive brushing or the use of a hard toothbrush. In these cases, the bleeding stops on its own and poses no danger.

On the other hand, if your gums bleed regularly, it could be gingivitis, in which case you should seek medical attention as soon as possible: untreated gingivitis eventually leads to periodontitis and tooth loosening.

Gingival recession

Gingival recession, also known as “loosening of the teeth”, is a change in the gums around the neck of the tooth. It corresponds to the progressive loss of gum tissue until the root of the tooth is exposed.

Gingival recession must be treated as soon as possible to prevent it from progressing. As recession is irreversible, the lost gum tissue cannot be recovered.

How can this type of pathology be prevented?

To prevent the development of periodontal disease, it must be identified as early as possible.

Regular periodontal check-ups help to identify potential periodontal infection through the following steps:

  • Clinical examination of the mouth;
  • Microbiological examination of dental plaque, which is instantly interpreted by the practitioner, who can detect pathogenic bacteria in the mouth;
  • Radiological check-up to study any bone loss and the progress of periodontal disease;

Treatments for periodontal disease

In the case of gingivitis or periodontitis, the pathogenic bacteria need to be completely eliminated. The practitioner will then propose a customised treatment plan that includes the following elements in particular:

  • LASER disinfection. The laser is a beam that penetrates the gum tissue and enables deep decontamination by eliminating the pathogenic bacteria responsible for periodontal disease, particularly antibiotic-resistant strains.
  • Development of a personalised disinfection programme to be followed at home, helping to promote healing.
  • Removal of deep periodontal pockets (lithotripsy).

These procedures are painless and generally do not require local anaesthetic.

The cost of a consultation for preventive dentistry

The cost of a periodontal check-up is 120 euros.

The various procedures performed by Clinique Dentaire Sana Oris are subject to precise and fair pricing, which will be communicated to you at the end of your consultation depending on the treatment you require.

What is a periodontist ?

Periodontists, experts in gum problems and dental tissue, diagnose and effectively treat periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Their key role is to maintain healthy gums, prevent tooth loss and promote optimal chewing. At Clinique Sana Oris, they incorporate innovative approaches, such as the use of lasers, to assess and treat, ensuring dental stability, smooth chewing and a radiant smile. Their range of care includes scaling, treatment of periodontal pockets and regular maintenance, ensuring advanced and contemporary oral health.

FAQS

What is periodontics/periodontology ?

Periodontics is the discipline devoted to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and underlying bone. It treats receding teeth and gum disease.

What is periodontitis ?

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of infectious origin. It extends to infection of the gums and alveolar bone. It is often caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque along the gum line.

What are the risk factors for periodontal disease ?

It is crucial to understand that periodontal disease is not just a question of poor dental hygiene. Although plaque and tartar build-up can contribute to their development, many other factors come into play, such as genetic predisposition, heredity, pre-existing medical conditions, stress, smoking, diet and even hormonal changes.

When and why consult a periodontist ?

It is advisable to consult a periodontist as soon as you notice signs of gum problems such as bleeding, swelling or gum sensitivity. In addition, if you notice your teeth loosening, a growing gap between your teeth and gums, or persistent bad breath, it would be wise to consult a periodontist. By acting quickly, you can prevent these problems from worsening and maintain the health of your gums and teeth.

What treatments are available for periodontal disease ?

At our clinic, periodontal disease receives special attention thanks to the use of advanced techniques such as lasers. These lasers effectively disinfect the gums, guaranteeing long-lasting, optimal results, even in the most advanced cases. Our team of surgeons is qualified to treat the most severe cases, offering the option of gum grafts.

How can periodontal disease be prevented ?

Preventing periodontal disease involves rigorous oral hygiene, including thorough brushing twice a day and flossing. A balanced diet, limiting sugars and acidic foods, promotes healthy gums. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol also helps. In addition, regular visits to the dentist enable gum problems to be detected and treated at an early stage, thus preventing serious complications.

How does a consultation with a periodontist work ?

During your first consultation with one of our periodontists, we will carry out a complete analysis of your gums using an in-depth periodontal check-up. This diagnosis enables us to assess the state of your gums, detect any problems and draw up a personalised treatment plan based on your specific needs.

How can I maintain my oral hygiene after periodontal treatment ?

After periodontal treatment, maintain strict oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing and eating a balanced diet. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Follow the follow-up visits recommended by your periodontist for professional cleanings and regular assessments. This approach will help you maintain treatment results and prevent future dental problems.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis ?

Both are inflammatory diseases of infectious origin. Gingivitis is an infection of the gums, while periodontitis is a more advanced stage, since the infection also spreads to the bone supporting the teeth. Periodontitis follows untreated or poorly treated gingivitis.

What is a periodontal abscess ?

A periodontal abscess is an accumulation of pus following a bacterial infection. This pus can develop in the gum or bone. The gums are red, swollen and painful. This infectious lesion may be accompanied by fever or even nausea. It is not uncommon for pus to drain from the gums.

How is a periodontal abscess treated ?

Periodontal abscesses are treated in two stages. First, an antibiotic treatment is prescribed to eliminate the existing infection. Then, depending on the severity of the infection and its progress, local laser disinfection may be carried out. This method specifically targets the affected area, allowing thorough disinfection of the gum around the abscess.

What is a periodontal pocket and how is it measured ?

A periodontal pocket is an abnormal space between the gum and the tooth, caused by gum disease. It can lead to the deterioration of dental support tissues. The depth of a periodontal pocket is measured using a periodontal probe, a fine, calibrated instrument. The periodontist gently inserts the probe into the space between the gum and the tooth to determine the distance between the gum line and the bottom of the pocket, thereby assessing periodontal health.

What are scaling and curettage and what are they used for ?

Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar (plaque calcification) from tooth surfaces. Curettage, on the other hand, involves deep cleaning of the periodontal pockets beneath the gums to remove bacteria and infected tissue. These periodontal procedures aim to reduce inflammation, prevent the progression of gum disease and promote periodontal health.

What are the symptoms of gingivitis ?

Symptoms of periodontitis include red, swollen and tender gums, bleeding, gum recession, persistent bad breath, pockets forming between the teeth and gums, and tooth mobility. If you notice these signs, it is important to consult an oral health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the symptoms of periodontitis ?

Symptoms of periodontitis include red, swollen and tender gums, bleeding, gum recession, persistent bad breath, pockets forming between the teeth and gums, and tooth mobility. If you notice these signs, it is important to consult an oral health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the consequences of untreated gingivitis ?

Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more serious condition that damages the supporting tissues of the teeth and gums. This can lead to the formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums, loss of bone around the teeth, tooth mobility and even loss of the teeth themselves.

What are the risks of poorly treated periodontitis ?

When periodontitis is poorly treated, there is a risk that the infection will not be completely eradicated, which can lead to a return of the infection in the long term. In addition, poor management of periodontitis can encourage the development of a more severe infection, which can further damage the supporting tissues of the teeth and gums. Persistent infection can also lead to increased gingival pockets, gum retraction and even tooth mobility.

What are the consequences of untreated periodontitis ?

Untreated periodontitis can have serious consequences for oral and general health. It can cause progressive destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth and gums, leading to the formation of deep pockets, retraction of the gums, mobility and tooth loss. Uncontrolled periodontal infection can also spread bacteria throughout the body, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetic complications and other health problems. Effective treatment of periodontitis is crucial to avoid these potentially serious consequences.

What are the general health risks of periodontitis ?

Periodontitis can have repercussions on general health because of its link with chronic inflammation. Bacteria from periodontal infection can spread into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart problems, poorly controlled diabetes and complications during pregnancy. In addition, chronic inflammation can aggravate other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. It is therefore crucial to treat periodontitis to prevent these potential risks to overall health.

Do you have a question ? 

Would you like more information or would you like to make an appointment ?
Ask your question to the surgeons at Clinique dentaire Sana Oris or make an appointment.