Periodontal Treatment: Restore Health to Your Gums at Dobrý Dent

The cause of periodontitis is specific bacteria contained in dental plaque. Dental plaque is a soft, sticky coating that constantly forms on the teeth. If it is not regularly and thoroughly removed using the correct technique for cleaning the teeth and interdental spaces, the bacteria contained in it produce toxins that irritate the gums. This leads to inflammation of the gums – gingivitis.

Gingivitis is manifested by redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, the process is still fully reversible. However, if the inflammation is not treated, the plaque mineralizes and turns into tartar, which can no longer be removed by regular cleaning. Tartar provides an ideal surface for further accumulation of plaque and bacteria, which gradually penetrate along the root of the tooth under the gum.

Here, bacteria and their toxins attack the tissues of the tooth’s supporting apparatus. So-called periodontal pockets are formed – depressions between the tooth and the gum, where bacteria multiply undisturbed. The body tries to fight the infection, but chronic inflammation leads to the gradual destruction of the ligaments and bone that hold the tooth. The gum recedes, the tooth necks are exposed and the teeth begin to loosen. In advanced stages of periodontitis, teeth are lost.

Periodontitis often develops slowly and without significant pain, so it is important to pay attention to even subtle symptoms. See your dentist or dental hygienist if you notice any of the following:

• Bleeding gums: When brushing your teeth, using an interdental brush, or even spontaneously. This is the most common and often the first symptom.
• Red, swollen, or tender gums: Healthy gums are pink and firm. Inflamed gums are dark red, purple, swollen, and may be tender to the touch.
• Bad breath (halitosis): Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing your teeth may be caused by bacteria in the periodontal pockets.
• Gum recession: Teeth appear longer because the gum recedes, exposing part of the root.
• Loose teeth: A feeling that the teeth are moving or changing their position. This is a symptom of a more advanced stage.
• Pus between the tooth and the gum: Purulent discharge may appear when pressure is applied to the gum.
• Bite change: A feeling that the teeth fit together differently when biting.
• Pain when chewing: Although pain is not a typical early symptom, it can occur in later stages.

If you suspect periodontitis, do not hesitate to make an appointment for an examination at Dobrý Dent. The sooner treatment is started, the greater the chance of saving your teeth.

Untreated periodontitis has serious consequences. The most obvious is tooth loss. The gradual destruction of bone and ligaments leads to looseness and eventually tooth loss or the need for tooth extraction. Tooth loss affects not only the aesthetics of the smile, but also the ability to chew, digest, and speak.

In addition, chronic inflammation in the mouth has a negative impact on overall health. Bacteria and inflammatory substances from periodontal pockets can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs and systems in the body. Research has shown a link between periodontitis and:

• Cardiovascular disease: Increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes mellitus: Periodontitis worsens blood sugar control in diabetics, and conversely, untreated diabetes worsens the course of periodontitis. It is a two-way relationship.
• Respiratory diseases: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs and cause or worsen pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Pregnancy complications: Increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight of the newborn.
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic inflammatory diseases.

So treating periodontitis is not just a matter of oral health, but an investment in your overall health and quality of life.

At the Dobrý Dent clinic, we approach the treatment of periodontitis comprehensively and individually. We create a treatment plan based on a thorough examination and assessment of the condition of your teeth and gums. The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the disease, eliminate inflammation, remove infection and restore the health of the tissues around the teeth.

1. Initial examination and precise diagnostics

The first step is a detailed examination. We will measure the depth of the periodontal pockets using a special probe (probing), assess the degree of gum bleeding, gum recession and looseness of the teeth. X-rays (intraoral X-rays, OPG) are an essential part, which will show the extent of bone loss around the teeth. If necessary, planning more complex surgical procedures or for a detailed assessment of the condition of the bone, we use our modern 3D CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), which provides a three-dimensional image of the jaws with high accuracy.

2. Professional dental hygiene and instruction

The basis of treatment is the removal of the cause – dental plaque and tartar. The first phase includes thorough professional dental hygiene, during which the hygienist removes all plaque and tartar above the gum level. It also includes detailed instruction on the correct technique for cleaning teeth and interdental spaces, the selection of appropriate tools (brushes, interdental brushes, floss) and patient motivation. Without your active cooperation and perfect home care, the treatment cannot be successful.

3. Deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing – SRP)

This is the key phase of non-surgical periodontitis treatment. It is usually performed under local anesthesia to ensure your maximum comfort. At Dobrý Dent, we often use the computer-controlled anesthesia STA (The Wand) system for these purposes, which allows the application of anesthetic almost painlessly and very specifically.

During a deep cleaning, a doctor or hygienist uses special hand tools (curettes) and ultrasound to remove tartar and bacterial plaque from the surface of the tooth roots deep below the gum, in the periodontal pockets. At the same time, the root surface is smoothed (root planing) to make it more difficult for plaque to re-deposit and to promote the re-growth of the gum back to the tooth. To ensure maximum precision and thoroughness in removing subgingival tartar and biofilm, we often use an operating microscope. This allows us to see even the smallest details and work with multiple magnifications, which significantly increases the success of the treatment.

4. Advanced treatment methods

In some cases, especially in more advanced forms of periodontitis, deep cleaning alone may not be sufficient. We can resort to other methods:

• Local antibiotics: Application of antibiotics in the form of a gel or chip directly into the periodontal pockets for targeted destruction of bacteria.
• Systemic antibiotics: In indicated cases, the doctor may prescribe general antibiotics based on a microbiological examination of the contents of the pockets.
• Surgical treatment (flap surgery): If the pockets are too deep or persist after non-surgical treatment, surgery is indicated. This involves opening the gum to provide direct access to the affected roots and bone. The doctor thoroughly cleans the root surfaces under direct visual control (often using a microscope) and removes the inflamed tissue. In some cases, regenerative procedures (e.g. application of bone graft or growth factors) can be performed during the operation to restore lost bone and tissue. Thanks to our CBCT, we can plan these procedures precisely.

5. Maintenance phase (Recall)

Periodontitis is a chronic disease that cannot be completely „cured“ in the sense that it would disappear forever. The goal of treatment is to get the disease under control and prevent its further progression. Therefore, a long-term maintenance phase is absolutely necessary. This includes regular check-ups with the dentist and visits to the dental hygienist (usually every 3-6 months, depending on the patient’s condition and risk). During these visits, the condition of the gums is checked, the depth of the gingiva is measured, professional cleaning is performed and the patient is re-trained for home care. Regular recall is the key to maintaining healthy gums and teeth in the long term.

Why choose our clinic Dobrý Dent in Andělu for periodontitis treatment?

• Experienced and empathetic team: Our doctors and hygienists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all stages of periodontitis since 2010. We emphasize an individual and sensitive approach to each patient.
• High-tech for precise and gentle treatment:
  • Operating microscope: Enables us to work with maximum precision, see even small details and thoroughly remove infection from hard-to-reach places.
  • Painless anesthesia STA (The Wand): Ensures maximum patient comfort even during more unpleasant procedures, such as deep cleaning or surgery.
  • 3D CBCT X-ray: Provides detailed three-dimensional images of bones and teeth for precise diagnostics and planning of comprehensive treatment, especially surgical and regenerative procedures.
  • 3D intraoral scanner: For digital impressions and precise planning of follow-up prosthetic care if lost teeth need to be replaced.
• Comprehensive care under one roof: We offer a wide range of dental services from prevention and dental hygiene, through periodontitis treatment, conservative dentistry, endodontics (root canal treatment), to prosthetics and implantology for replacing lost teeth.
• Individual treatment plans: Each patient is unique. We will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and the condition of your teeth.
• Emphasis on prevention and long-term care: We not only treat, but above all, we try to prevent disease and teach you how to maintain healthy gums throughout your life.
• Modern and pleasant environment: Our clinic in Prague 5 – Smíchov (Anděl) is designed to make you feel as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

The best treatment is of course prevention. You can effectively prevent the development of periodontitis by following a few principles:

• Thorough and regular oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget about the spaces between your teeth – use interdental brushes or dental floss daily. We will be happy to show you the correct technique.
• Regular visits to the dentist: Go for preventive check-ups twice a year, even if you have no problems. A doctor can detect the early stages of gum disease early.
• Regular professional dental hygiene: Visit a dental hygienist at least twice a year (or more often, as recommended) to remove tartar and plaque from places you can’t reach yourself.
• Healthy lifestyle: Reduce smoking or, ideally, quit completely. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing and worsening the course of periodontitis. Make sure you eat a balanced diet.
• Control of systemic diseases: If you suffer from diabetes, make sure it is well controlled.

Is periodontitis treatment painful?

We try to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. Deep cleaning and surgical procedures are performed under local anesthesia. Thanks to the STA (The Wand) system, the application of anesthesia itself is almost painless. After the procedure, you may feel a slight sensitivity that can be reduced with common analgesics.

How long does periodontitis treatment last?

The length of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. The initial phase (hygiene, deep cleaning) can last several weeks to months (usually several visits). Surgical treatment requires additional time for healing. However, the key is the subsequent long-term maintenance phase with regular check-ups, which lasts essentially a lifetime.

Does health insurance cover periodontitis treatment?

Health insurance companies cover basic examinations and some basic procedures. However, most modern treatments, such as deep cleaning (SRP), the use of advanced technologies (microscope, laser – if used), surgical procedures or regenerative techniques, are usually not covered or only partially. We will draw up a precise financial plan for you after an initial examination.

What is the difference between gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is the initial, reversible stage of inflammation that affects only the gums. It is manifested by bleeding, swelling and redness. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage, when the inflammation also affects the bone and ligaments holding the tooth. There is the formation of trunks and bone loss, which can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is no longer fully reversible, but it can be treated and its progression can be stopped.

Can periodontitis return after treatment?

Yes, if the patient does not maintain perfect oral hygiene and does not attend regular check-ups and dental hygiene (recall). Periodontitis is a chronic disease and requires ongoing care and cooperation from the patient.