Antibiotics
The bacteria that trigger periodontitis spread throughout the entire oral cavity, all the way to the tonsils, where they can settle. Mechanical cleaning of the periodontal pockets therefore always removes only part - albeit an important part - of these pathogens. To prevent reinfection from remaining residual germs, we carry out a so-called pocket-germ analysis before starting treatment. We take samples from several periodontal pockets and have them analysed by DNA testing for the most important pathogen strains. We then support the mechanical periodontal treatment with a targeted antibiotic therapy, precisely tailored to the identified bacterial strains, in order to prevent a relapse.
Genetics ⁄ prognosis
Since periodontitis always arises from the interplay of bacterial infection and the individual immune response of the body, genetic factors also influence its course. Today we know that there are four different genetic patterns which, in the event of an infection, can lead to damage to the periodontium and bone at different speeds. This genetic risk can be determined via DNA analysis of a simple oral swab.
Even though the genetic predisposition only comes into play in the case of a bacterial periodontitis infection, an individual preventive strategy can be developed based on your personal genetic risk - even with an increased genetic risk, it can help avoid disease.
Gingivitis is an inflammatory change of the gums and is among the most common diseases overall - usually triggered by bacterial plaque that first settles between the teeth. Left untreated, it can precede periodontitis. Typical signs are reddened or swollen gums around the tooth neck, as well as bleeding when touched with an interdental brush or a dental probe.
Periodontitis – in German everyday speech often, though medically incorrectly, also called "Parodontose" (periodontosis) – is an inflammatory disease of the periodontium, the tooth-supporting tissues. Genuine periodontosis, by contrast, does not take an inflammatory course. Periodontitis can occur at any age, may affect one or several teeth at the same time, and can progress at different speeds and to different degrees of severity.