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Parodontosis

The term “parodontosis” usually refers to a widespread disease of the periodontium. There are various forms of parodontosis. Gingiva, peridental membrane and jawbone – dentists call these the “dental periodontium” - are destroyed slowly and almost painlessly. Consequently, the teeth become loose, and even healthy teeth that are not affected by caries may lose their functionality.

Inflammation

The main cause for this disease is an inflammation of the periodontium called parodontitis. It mainly results from bacteria in the dental enamel. These bacteria produce toxins and acids that attack teeth and gingiva. Tartar, sticky food residues, protruding filling edges and so on favour the formation of bacterial plaque (“plaques”).

Unfavourable load on teeth

An unfavourable load on the teeth – resulting from gaps, malposition of teeth, teeth grinding at night, subconscious teeth clenching, insufficient chewing because of food that is too soft - intensifies and accelerates the inflammatory process.

Other causes

Chronic general diseases (e.g. diabetes, liver diseases) can in rare cases contribute to the formation or aggravation of atrophying periodontium.

First signs

It is important to identify and treat the first signs of a beginning parodontitis. Characteristic symptoms are reddening, bleeding and tumefaction of the gingiva.
If these symptoms are not treated, gingival pockets are formed that are filled with purulent secretion. The jawbone disintegrates. The teeth seem longer, they become loose and eventually fall out.

Treatment

The treatment of parodontitis depends on the stage of the disease:

First the dentist carefully removes all causes for the inflammation, e.g. removes plaques and tartar.
The next step is to evenly distribute the load for the whole set of teeth. This often requires slightly grinding some teeth so that the masticatory surfaces fit well into one another.
Missing teeth have to be substituted because a complete set of teeth is essential for an even load.
If the disease has reached an advanced stage existing gingival and infrabony pockets are removed. To accomplish this various methods have been developed.
Teeth that are already loose can be stabilised by fixed or removable dental splints.

Patient compliance

If this treatment is to be successful, it is absolutely essential that the patient strictly follows the dentist’s instructions, is very conscientious with regard to mouth hygiene and keeps the fixed appointments at the dentist’s. Only then the parodontosis treatment can bring the hoped-for results in the long run