«Take care
of your
gums.»
Since Marianne Hitz treated her periodontitis, she feels joy and enjoys a good quality of life again. At the same time, she was able to overcome her fear of dental procedures.
Four years ago, Marianne Hitz’s life took a turn. At that time, the 60-year-old was referred by her dentist to a specialist in periodontology. The patient was in poor condition. Several teeth were loose and severely discolored. She described her oral sensation as "very bad." She could neither bite into an apple nor a steak. Laughing was also out of the question. This life situation gnawed at her self-confidence.
The first contact with the specialist in periodontology, Dr. Christin Stöcklin-Wasmer, was enlightening for the patient. "She gave me comprehensive information about periodontitis," says Marianne Hitz. Only now did she realize that she had been suffering from chronic gum inflammation with so-called pocket formation around the teeth for many years. The disease is widespread in Switzerland: almost half of those over 50 suffer from a mild to severe form. Periodontitis manifests itself, among other things, in bleeding gums and bad breath. Marianne Hitz is a heavy smoker, which is considered a risk factor. A genetic predisposition is also present, as her father already struggled with gum problems.
In severe periodontitis, as diagnosed in Marianne Hitz at the time, tooth loss is imminent. To achieve improvement, the periodontist must first perform a thorough cleaning and then a surgical procedure. The periodontal pockets filled with bacteria and tartar that have formed around the tooth necks are surgically removed. Marianne Hitz feels well cared for in Dr. Christin Stöcklin-Wasmer’s practice. "I could immediately trust her," she notes. The fear of dental treatments is deeply rooted in her bones. As a child, she was "traumatized" by the school dentist, she says.
The therapy initiated by the specialist dentist takes effect. As part of the surgical treatment, bone damaged by chronic inflammation is also rebuilt. In addition to this procedure, the patient undergoes antibiotic therapy to eliminate the bacterial infection. Since the periodontium is already permanently damaged, the loss of two teeth cannot be prevented. Other unstable teeth are stabilized with splints and thus preserved.
The acute treatment is followed by aftercare. This includes regular check-ups, initially every three months. Dr. Christin Stöcklin-Wasmer performs a comprehensive dental cleaning each time, which prevents the formation of new periodontal pockets. Prophylaxis is also a central point. Oral hygiene is discussed, which requires self-discipline from the patient in everyday life. And the periodontist repeatedly addresses smoking without exerting moral pressure. Marianne Hitz appreciates this approach, as she says: "There is no point in constantly telling smokers that it’s their own fault," she says.
The trusting relationship proves to be a valuable basis for initiating decision-making processes. The patient realizes that her gums will keep inflaming if she doesn’t quit smoking. About three years after the start of treatment, she finally quit smoking. Marianne Hitz feels proud. Her teeth are in good condition today. "It’s never too late to treat periodontitis and quit smoking," is her message. Her self-confidence has returned – and so has her laughter and joy in life.
The sooner periodontitis is treated, the better the chances of healing. Prophylaxis is a decisive success factor, says specialist dentist Dr. Christin Stöcklin-Wasmer.
Ms. Stöcklin-Wasmer, how can periodontitis be recognized?
Key characteristics are bleeding gums and bad breath, as well as teeth that shift slightly or wobble. It should be noted that in smokers, the gums often do not bleed even though they suffer from periodontitis because smoking leads to reduced blood flow to the gums.
What are the risk factors?
We often find that periodontitis is hereditary. So there is a genetic predisposition. Other risks include smoking and poor dental and oral hygiene.
Does periodontitis cause pain?
No, and that is the insidious thing about this disease. Often treatment only starts when the inflammation is already advanced, and tooth loss is imminent. Therefore, it is important that affected individuals are treated as quickly as possible by qualified dentists. Ideally, they are referred to periodontologists or contact a periodontist directly.
How can it be prevented?
Proper oral hygiene is essential. Ideally, you should clean the interdental spaces daily with suitable brushes so that no bacteria accumulate there. This can prevent inflammation. Smoking should also be stopped or minimized.
How does the treatment proceed?
Usually, treatment begins with a hygiene phase. The teeth and interdental spaces are cleaned. Often, a surgical procedure follows, in which the inflamed tissue is removed, and an attempt is made to rebuild it. Then, a maintenance phase follows. During this time, progress is monitored at intervals of about three months, and a dental cleaning is performed each time to prevent the formation of new periodontal pockets.
How much does a periodontitis treatment cost?
That varies from case to case. Basically, it can be said that the financial effort is manageable, and periodontal therapy is short, medium, and long term more cost-effective than any dental replacement therapy. That’s the good news of the story.
Further information and a list of periodontologists: parodontologie.ch.