What is included in the procedure
An ultrasonic scaler destroys tartar above and below the gum, sandblasting removes pigmented plaque from tea, coffee and tobacco, then the enamel is polished with paste and coated with fluoride varnish. Polishing is no less important than removing stone: plaque sets more slowly on a smooth surface. The procedure is recommended once every 6 months, for periodontitis - once every 3-4 months.
Why periodontitis needs to be treated
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the tissues that support the tooth. It begins with bleeding gums and ends with loss of bone tissue, exposed roots and mobility of teeth. It is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults—more common than tooth decay.
Bone tissue that has already been lost does not regenerate on its own. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to stop the process and preserve what is there, and, if possible, restore the lost volume surgically.
What does treatment consist of?
- professional hygiene - removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gums
- closed curettage - cleaning pockets without an incision at a shallow depth
- open curettage and flap operations - for deep pockets
- plastic surgery of soft tissues – for gum recession and short frenulums
- splinting - stabilization of mobile teeth
- maintenance therapy - control every 3-6 months
What depends on the patient
No operation will produce results without daily hygiene. A brush, dental floss or brushes and an irrigator are a mandatory minimum. Smoking significantly worsens the prognosis: in smokers, inflammation is more secretive, and healing after interventions is slower.