Treating periodontitis: systematic and effective.
The good news is that periodontitis (gum disease) can be treated, and our dental practice specializes in it. Dr. Carolin Fischer and Dr. Frederic Hermann have expertise in periodontology among other areas.
The good news for all those affected is that periodontitis (gum disease) can be treated, and our dental practice in the beautiful city of Zug specializes in it. Dr. Carolin Fischer and Dr. Frederic Hermann are our certified practitioners in the field of periodontology. Our team is also trained and sensitized to this condition. Since contemporary periodontitis treatment goes hand in hand with a comprehensive preventive care concept, our dental hygienists play a crucial role in the treatment. In fact, we established our own dental hygiene and prevention department within TEAM 15 in 2020, highlighting the importance of the preventive aspect of our practice concept. We follow a systematic approach based on current scientific evidence. Reliable risk management and early detection form the foundation.
When diagnosed early, periodontitis is highly treatable.
We follow a step-by-step approach in the diagnosis:
1. Patient interview (family history, pre-existing conditions, medication use, etc.)
2. Initial examination with X-rays, measurement of gum pockets
3. Determination of the bleeding index (bleeding tendency of the gums)
4. Microbiological diagnostics if necessary (bacterial test)
5. Comprehensive diagnosis and development of a treatment plan
During the initial examination, we determine factors such as bleeding tendency of the gums, extent of gum recession, and degree of tooth mobility. Additionally, at our dental practice in Zug, we utilize three-dimensional imaging (DVT, Digital Volume Tomography), which provides a spatial representation of potential bone loss. Based on all diagnostic information, we determine the stage of periodontitis and derive an individualized treatment plan.
The treatment approach depends on the patient's situation. Possible measures in periodontitis treatment include:
The specialists in periodontology in Zug, Dr. Fischer and Dr. Hermann, will explain the treatment decision derived from the diagnosis. The treatment plan depends on the extent of the disease. Non-surgical (conservative) and surgical therapies are distinguished. Antibiotics are often indicated, especially for aggressive periodontitis, as periodontitis is a bacterial disease. The bacteria are in the bloodstream and need to be combated to prevent them from re-infecting the gums.
During this initial therapy, the goal is to eliminate the external causes of the disease and identify general risk factors (such as smoking). Specially trained dental hygienists clean the teeth and, under local anesthesia, focus on cleaning the root surfaces. Thorough treatment of gum pockets (deep scaling) is particularly important. Special delicate hand instruments (curettes) and modern ultrasonic devices are used. Laser treatment may also be employed. Additionally, active patient participation is crucial. Thorough oral hygiene at home forms the foundation for successful periodontitis treatment.
Surgical treatment is recommended when local areas with persistent inflammation remain after initial treatment. Further measures in the form of surgical-regenerative (tissue reconstruction: bone/gums) or surgically resective periodontitis therapy (improving hygiene capability in the root area) are necessary. Deep, inflamed gum pockets and severely inflamed gums need to be treated with surgical interventions. We employ minimally invasive techniques. Although it is a surgical procedure, it is performed with modern technologies that are very gentle. Exposing the root surfaces allows for good visibility. The tooth roots are gently exposed and the root surfaces are carefully cleaned by the periodontist. Our practice follows microsurgical concepts, utilizing delicate instruments and specialized operating microscopes as the foundation.
Periodontal surgical techniques include:
