TOOTH PRESERVATION · PERIODONTOLOGY DÜSSELDORF
Healthy gums carry everything else.
Periodontitis is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults — and it progresses painlessly for a long time. The good news: caught early, it is treatable, and statutory insurers cover the systematic therapy.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a bacterial inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures. Left untreated, it breaks down gum and jawbone until teeth loosen and are lost. It is also demonstrably linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Warning signs: bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, teeth that appear to “grow longer”.
THE THERAPY
Systematic, not symptomatic.
Findings (PSI)
Measuring pocket depths, X-ray findings, recording risk factors — insurers cover regular screening.
Anti-infective therapy
Thorough cleaning of the gum pockets under anaesthetic — the basis of any periodontitis treatment.
Re-evaluation
Checking the healing progress; further surgical steps if deep residual pockets remain.
Aftercare (supportive periodontal therapy)
Supportive periodontal therapy at fixed intervals keeps the inflammation permanently under control — the most important part.
No one treats periodontitis alone. Findings, cleaning and aftercare interlock — that is why you see the same team every time.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Periodontitis — answered briefly.
Is periodontitis treatment painful?
Cleaning deeper gum pockets is done under local anaesthetic and is painless. In the days afterwards the gums can be sensitive and the root surfaces may react temporarily to cold.
Does insurance cover the treatment?
With the corresponding findings, statutory insurers cover systematic periodontitis treatment, including structured aftercare. Professional cleaning is usually not included in this.
Can receded gums grow back?
Inflamed gums settle and reduce swelling, which can even make teeth appear longer in the short term. Gum that has already receded and bone that is already lost do not regenerate on their own; in certain cases surgical procedures are possible.
How often do I need aftercare?
Periodontitis is a chronic condition that is controlled, not cured. After treatment, shorter intervals are needed than for general prophylaxis — how short depends on your findings and risk profile, which we determine together.
Is periodontitis contagious?
The bacteria involved can be transmitted between partners. Whether disease develops depends on immune status, oral hygiene and risk factors. If you have findings, it is worth having your partner examined too.
What does smoking have to do with it?
Smoking is the strongest modifiable risk factor and also masks the warning sign: smokers’ gums bleed less even as the disease progresses. This means periodontitis is often discovered later in smokers.
RELATED TREATMENTS
INFORMATION SHEETS TO PRINT
Aftercare decides the outcome. Here is what it looks like.
A4 documents in four languages. No sign-up, no email address.
-
Prophylaxis, care & bonus booklet
What really matters at home, and how often you should come in.
-
After a surgical procedure
If a surgical step was needed.
-
After periodontal plastic surgery & peri-implantitis
Root coverage, connective tissue graft, peri-implantitis treatment.
-
Implant passport & aftercare
For patients with implants after periodontitis.