We speak of holistic periodontology when we look at the patient as a whole. So not just as the sum of his / her different parts (such as gums, periodontal ligament, root cement and jaw bone). In summary, holistic periodontology covers the entire individual. According to holism, everything is connected. So we cannot analyze anything by looking at only part of the whole.
Periodontal disease, for example, is associated with a variety of conditions. Mouth bacteria from the pockets of periodontal disease patients cause, among other things, heart valve infections, liver infections and brain infections. There is also a strong link between periodontal disease and pregnancy.
In Eyckholt Mondcentrum we therefore look at people around the mouth.
Origin
Bacteria in the plaque cause gingivitis. Plaque can further calcify into hard tartar.
Gum infections can spread to the bone. The gums then loosen: a gum pouch or pocket is formed. The jawbone is slowly dissolved, causing the teeth to loosen.
Characteristics
But periodontal disease can nevertheless go unnoticed. Some characteristics are: red, flaccid, tender, swollen and also receding gums. We often see bleeding after brushing. All in all, a bad taste or bad breath can indicate inflammation.
Pain symptoms only develop at an advanced stage of periodontal disease: on the one hand the loosening of the teeth or on the other hand the development of open spaces between the tooth and the gums (pockets). Therefore, “extension” or “sagging” of teeth is also a hallmark of periodontal disease.
Holistic Approach
First Consult
Here we collect the data of your current situation based on an X-ray on the one hand and a number of measurements on the other. In addition, we often also analyze a dental plaque sample under the microscope. We also take a medical history.
Plan + Budget
We draw up a tailor-made treatment plan:
– individual treatment plan for periodontal disease;
– budget in function of the total treatment.
Plan discussion
Before we start the treatment, we would like to see you for a follow-up consultation. Firstly, we present the plan to you, secondly, you receive our advice and finally we present you the budget. You will also receive answers to all your further questions. Finally, we also sign the informed consent and you will receive all guidelines, prescriptions and instructions.
The meeting / follow-up conversation can also be held via Zoom.
Treatment
Pockets ≤ 7mm: LASER THERAPY
We first remove plaque and tartar in the recessed pockets by thorough dental cleaning. We then disinfect the pockets by means of a laser (diode laser) or ozone therapy (under local anesthesia).
Pockets > 7mm: OPEN CURETTAGE
In very deep or difficult to reach pockets, we immediately open the gums under local anesthesia. As a result, we clean everything to the bone under direct view. We also disinfect the tissues with ozone therapy.
Control (after 1 week)
After 1 week we check the healing. You will also be given oral hygiene instructions.
Reevaluation + Cleaning (after 2 months)
We repeat the measurements of the intake to evaluate the result of the treatment. We also check your oral hygiene. We further clean your teeth.
Recall
After this, it is important to have your teeth cleaned regularly. Our perio- or prevention assistant does this:
– remove all tartar, if tartar is present again;
– removing dental plaque in hard-to-reach places;
– polishing the teeth;
– as well as disinfection with ozone therapy or laser.
The pockets are also measured once a year.
Risk Groups
In general, some people may be more prone to periodontal disease:
– smoking: in short, periodontal disease is more common in smokers than in non-smokers. Smokers are also less responsive to simultaneous treatments.
– diabetes: among other things also increases the risk of periodontal disease.
– stress: also suppresses the body’s defenses. This further increases the risk of periodontal disease. As a result, the adverse consequences of periodontal disease can of course also be greater.
Pregnancy, various diseases, as well as medication can affect periodontal disease.
General Health
Research has shown that mouth bacteria play an important role in the development of infections. For example, heart valve infections and infections of the liver, but also of the joints and the brain can arise from the mouth. This is where holistic periodontology comes into the picture.
It has also been shown that women with periodontal disease are more difficult to conceive for that reason. In addition, women with periodontal disease give birth faster (premature birth) and their children all in all have a too low birth weight. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused and made worse by periodontal disease.