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What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a condition that causes premature tooth loss. Approximately one in three people over the age of thirty has some form of periodontitis. This condition often develops unnoticed and painlessly. Unfortunately, the cause of periodontitis often goes unaddressed, resulting in irreversible tooth and bone loss. Our specialists perform treatments and checkups to treat and prevent periodontitis. At TCN, painless preventive treatments are available using mild anesthesia without needles.

Dental Center Netherlands (TCN) has dental practices throughout North Holland. Including in Alkmaar, To put away, Castricum, Haarlem, Heerhugowaard, Westzaan, Zaandam and Beaverwijk.

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Also possible under general anesthesia

The cause of periodontitis

When gum inflammation persists for a long time and is left untreated, it can spread to the jawbone. This can result in loss of connective tissue and the gums detaching from the teeth. The space between the gums and teeth, known as the pocket, fills with new plaque. The inflammation spreads even deeper into the underlying tissue, potentially causing bone loss. This is called periodontitis. Periodontitis is the result of inflamed gums. There are many factors that can lead to inflamed gums and ultimately to periodontitis:

  • Smoking;
  • Poor oral hygiene;
  • Crooked teeth;
  • Teeth grinding;
  • Hereditary predisposition;
  • Stress;
  • Hormonal changes;
  • Diabetes;
  • Pregnancy or menopause;
  • Diseases that reduce the immune system;
  • Medicines that suppress the immune system.

You are at increased risk of periodontitis if you smoke. Nicotine causes blood vessels in the gums to constrict, making it more difficult for blood to reach the gums and fight the inflammation.

The consequences of periodontitis

The visible consequences of periodontitis are receding gums, which is not a pretty sight. This can make the teeth very sensitive to food and temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, tooth and bone loss also occurs later in life. Once the jawbone is broken down, it cannot be repaired. Periodontitis can cause so much bone loss that teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Besides tooth and bone loss, research has also shown a link between periodontitis and health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Researchers suspect this is because the bacteria spread throughout the body via the bloodstream, causing inflammation. It is therefore crucial to have regular checkups to ensure that periodontitis is recognized and treated early.

Recognizing periodontitis

If you have periodontitis, it is usually only recognizable in its advanced stages. The gums are red, flabby, and inflamed. Receding and bleeding gums are also symptoms of periodontitis. This condition is also accompanied by bad breath, and you may notice your teeth becoming more sensitive or loose. Pain is rare. Note: it is common for there to be no symptoms and for periodontitis to develop unnoticed. dentist or dental hygienist can determine with certainty whether you have periodontitis.

Painless oral hygiene treatment

Our dental hygienists address the cause of periodontitis by regularly removing tartar. In addition, they instruct on the correct cleaning methods.

This is how we ensure your teeth remain beautiful and strong. At the same time, your teeth get a refresh, giving you a beautiful, radiant smile again. TCN specializes in treating anxious patients. Our dental hygienists do everything possible to remove tartar painlessly. We do this using an anesthetic liquid applied along the molars. Therefore, no injection is involved. We also use airflow, allowing us to perfectly remove all plaque from your teeth so that beautiful white teeth are revealed once again.

Flap surgery

A few months after the treatment by the dental hygienist, a check-up by the periodontist takes place. During this check-up, the progress of the healing process will be assessed. Sometimes, deepened, inflamed pockets that you are unable to clean may still be present. In such cases, a decision may be made to perform flap surgery.

During flap surgery, we loosen the gums around the teeth and move them aside. This is done under local anesthesia, so you won't feel a thing. During the procedure, we remove any existing inflammatory tissue and correct any sharp bone edges. This allows us to clearly examine the root surfaces. We then smooth the root surfaces and suture the gums. After the inflammatory tissue is removed, the gums will fit tightly around the bone again.

Goal of a flap operation

The goal of this treatment is to make the pockets shallower so that you can clean your teeth properly again. However, the space between the teeth may become slightly larger as a result. Additionally, the sensitivity of the root surfaces increases slightly, especially in the beginning. Our dental hygienists We will provide you with instructions to keep this properly clean and prevent sensitivity.

TCN tackles periodontitis

A good one oral hygiene is essential to prevent periodontitis. Don't give periodontitis a chance. Go to the regularly dentist and dental hygienist for checking and cleaning your teeth.

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