What is periodontology?

Healthy gums are pink and do not bleed.
What is gingivitis?

The build-up of plaque (made up of bacteria) can lead to gingivitis. This chronic infection is characterised by red gums, swelling and bleeding when brushing teeth.

How is gum infection treated?

Gingivitis is a reversible bacterial infection. This means that after the treatment, the gums can return to their original and normal condition. The treatment comprises a thorough and professional dental cleaning and individually adapted instructions about oral hygiene. Patients also have an important role to play in this of course. Inadequate oral hygiene will always result in a new or recurrent case of gingivitis.

What is periodontitis?

If gingivitis is not treated, this can lead to periodontitis (= inflammation of your gums and jawbone). This problem doesn’t pose a threat to your teeth and molars therefore, but the structure that holds your teeth in place. Without treatment it is possible that so much jawbone disappears that teeth and molars become loose and finally fall out. Periodontitis is an insidious disease; it can be present for a long time before it becomes noticeable. After a while, plaque builds up in pockets.

Wat is periodontitis?

If gingivitis is not treated, this can lead to periodontitis (= inflammation of your gums and jawbone). This problem doesn’t pose a threat to your teeth and molars therefore, but the structure that holds your teeth in place. Without treatment it is possible that so much jawbone disappears that teeth and molars become loose and finally fall out. Periodontitis is an insidious disease; it can be present for a long time before it becomes noticeable. After a while, plaque builds up in pockets.

You should notify your dentist as soon as the following symptoms appear:
  • Bleeding gums when you clean your teeth or when you eat something hard
  • Sensitive gums during brushing
  • Receding gums, which make teeth look longer
  • The position of one or more teeth changes
  • Teeth become loose
  • You have a bad taste in your mouth and suffer from bad breath

Treatment will be proposed, depending on your specific condition. This can be anything from giving you precise instructions about cleaning your teeth to in-depth plaque removal and, where necessary, surgery.

How is periodontitis treated?

Periodontal treatment involves:

  • an intake consultation whereby your individual situation is studied, using X-rays, pocket measurements and a microscopic assessment of your dental plaque. A treatment plan is drawn up together with you.
  • the initial periodontal treatment, also called scaling and root planing.
  • An evaluation around three months after the initial periodontal treatment, during which the need for additional treatments will be assessed.
  • aftercare phase with regular check-ups, according to your individual situation. 

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