We speak of holistic periodontology when we look at the patient as a whole. So not just as the sum of the different parts (such as gums, periodontal ligament, root cement and jaw bone). In summary, holistic periodontology involves the entire individual. According to holism, everything is connected with each other. So we cannot analyze anything by looking at only part of the whole.
Periodontitis, for example, is associated with various conditions. Mouth bacteria from the pockets of periodontitis 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 oral center we therefore look at people around the mouth! Prof. Dr. Curd Bollen is therefore responsible for holistic periodontology.
Origin
Bacteria in the dental plaque cause gingivitis. Plaque can further calcify into tartar.
Gum infections can spread to the bone. The gums then come off: a gum pocket is created. The jawbone continues to disappear, causing the teeth to loosen.
Characteristics
But periodontal disease can nevertheless go unnoticed. Some characteristics are: red, limp, sensitive, swollen and also receding gums. We often see bleeding after brushing. A bad taste or bad breath can all in all indicate inflammation.
Only in an advanced stage of periodontal disease do pain complaints arise: on the one hand, the teeth becoming detached or on the other hand, the development of open spaces between the teeth (pockets). Also “elongation” or “sagging” of teeth is therefore a characteristic of periodontitis.
Holistic Approach
First consultation
By this we mean the collection of 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 plaque sample under the microscope. We also take a medical anamnesis.
Planning + Budget
We draw up a tailor-made treatment plan:
– individualized treatment plan for gingivitis;
– customized total budget.
Discussion
Before we start the treatment, we would like to see you for a follow-up interview. Firstly, we present the plan to you, secondly our advice and finally 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 and instructions.
Treatment
Pockets ≤ 7mm: LASER THERAPY
We first remove dental plaque and tartar in the recessed pockets by thorough dental cleaning. We then disinfect the pockets by means of laser (diode laser) or ozone therapy (under local anesthetic).
Pockets > 7mm: OPEN CURETTAGE
In very deep or difficult to reach pockets, we immediately open the gums under local anesthetic. 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 then check the healing. You will also receive oral hygiene instructions.
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Reassessment + Aftercare (after 2 months)
We repeat the measurements of the intake to evaluate the result of the treatment. We also check your oral hygiene. After all, we clean and polish your teeth on the other.
Further Aftercare
After this it is important to have your teeth cleaned regularly. Our oral healthcare or prevention assistant does this:
– remove all tartar, provided that tartar is present again;
– remove dental plaque from hard to reach places;
– polishing the teeth;
– as well as disinfection with ozone therapy or laser.
The pockets are also measured again once a year and all necessary measurements are therefore repeated.
Risk Groups
Overall, some people may be more prone to periodontal disease:
– smoking: in short, periodontal disease is more common than in non-smokers. Smokers also respond less well to treatments at the same time.
– diabetes: among other things also increases the risk of periodontitis.
– 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, but also medication can also influence periodontal disease.
Health
So research has shown that mouth bacteria play an important role in the development of infections. For example, heart valve infections on the one hand, 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 therefore 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 aggravated by periodontal disease.