Dentalnews (en)

Parodontitis-usage of lasers–useful?

 Unfortunately parodontitis is still treated with lasers although it is proven unsuccessful.

The usage of lasers is futuristic- probably that is why patients are more willing to pay. Non-serious doctors take advantage of this circumstance, aside there are ignorant doctors as well.
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Either way the usage of lasers is not useful for you, even harmful. The laser light roughens the dental root and consequently the apposition of concrement is simplified. Bacteria are killed, though recreated very fast-a removal gets more difficult because of a rough root surface.

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Moreover no lasers are used (picture), but halogen lamps-welcome misleading!

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Double chronic periodontitis-what does that mean?

The attempt of this newsletter is to inform you about the difference between chronic generalized periodontitis and chronic apical periodontitis.

The main difference is the etiology, or otherwise said the genesis, which results in bone destruction.  

The periapical abscess starts in the dental pulp whereas periodontal abscess begins in the supporting bone and tissue structures of the teeth.

Chronic Apical Periodontitis is caused by dead and untreated tooth, or a bad root canal performed on a tooth. A radiographic image shows a dark spot on the root tip. The inflammation causes bone resorption, therefore the x-rays can get through much easier, which is visible as a dark spot.

Chronic Generalized Periodontitis is caused mainly by the accumulation of plaque, and the lack of periodontal therapy throughout the years. The microorganisms adhere and grow on the root surface which leads to progressive bone loss around the teeth. Fortunately, periodontitis is easily controlled by good oral hygiene. (red=bone, green=bone)

Both diseases have one thing in common: If untreated, they result in tooth loss due to bone loss.

If you are observing your x-rays and notice dark spots on the root tip and/or the jaw bone is built horizontally or vertically, please seek the help of a periodontist. 

Wouldn’t you like to know whether your dentist is good or bad?

We assume you do, which is why this week we are going to tell you all about what to consider when looking for a dentist and how to find a good one.

As usual, we will provide you with an overview of this week’s main topic!

1. Good dentist – the cost estimate
2. Dentists and their teams
3. Hygiene in the dentist’s office
4. Explaining procedures
5. Trouble-shooting

Good dentist – the cost estimate
First of all, does your dentist even bother giving you a cost estimate?
No? Then s/he has no idea what s/he is doing!

If yes, how is the estimate structures?
Did you get a thorough check-up before you got the estimate? You should know what has to be done in your case and what will only be performed to fill the dentist’s pockets. What are we going on about? Well, in order for the dentist to provide you with a good cost estimate, s/he needs to have a good idea of the current status of your teeth and mouth.

If s/he does not bother performing a check-up, then it is likely s/he will only do things that cost a lot, namely implants and crowns.

You can always tell good estimates from bad ones, because good estimates always provide detailed information, which is collected during a check-up (assuming, of course, that your mouth really needs an overhaul, not just one bridge or implant if your teeth and mouth are otherwise healthy, otherwise, what would be the point of collecting data!).

A good cost estimate includes:

• An anamnesis (medical history) / Patient’s request
• Findings
• Diagnosis
• Recommendations for therapy / Alternatives
• Description of procedures as needed

This information lets the dentist know what you wish to be done, the condition of your teeth (periodontal status, photos, models of your teeth, …), anything and everything you’ll need to set up a treatment plan.
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The cost estimate should consider all kinds of work, even work which is less lucrative to the dentist. This includes fillings, root canal treatment, operations such as removing wisdom teeth, etc.

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But this is the kind of work which should usually be done first, before doing more complicated procedures – you should make sure the ground is in good shape before you start building houses on it (crowns, implants etc.).

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Summing up, a simple cost estimate can and should tell you quite a lot!

• If your dentist offers you any treatment without performing a thorough check-up first, then chances are that s/he is only going to do things which cost the most money!
• If the cost estimate starts out with an extensive check-up, then you’re on the right path!
• If a cost estimate begins with the least expensive types of treatment (renewed root treatment, removing wisdom teeth, periodontal work, …) with dentures (crowns, bridges) last on the list, then stick with that dentist!

More on this topic tomorrow, and by the end of the week you should be able to tell a good dentist from all others!

Pregnancy is a biological phase in a woman’s life accompanied by intense hormonal changes

The rise in female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, directly affects the periodont, since the gums possess estrogen and progesterone receptors.

This way, existing inflammations of the gums (bleeding gums) can be exacerbated or more easily triggered during pregnancy. Recent studies show that if periodontitis goes untreated, this can be a risk factor leading to premature birth, and should thus be treated as soon as possible.
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In periodontitis, various bacterial substances are released from the gums. These substances cause our immune system to release greater numbers of antibodies  – called cytokines.
Amniotic fluid has been shown to contain cytokines, and there is a connection between the rise in cytokines and premature contractions.
Experiments on golden hamsters have shown that certain cytokines for gram-negative bacteria can, depending on dosage, lead to lower birth weight and even birth defects!
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Nowadays we know that periodontitis can make the risk of premature birth 7.5 times higher.

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Moreover, studies indicate a connection between periodontitis and premature babies with low birth weight.
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There is a trend towards non-surgical periodontitis treatment, which has been shown to have a positive effect on the course of pregnancy.

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Source: 2009_ paro_schwangerschaft (perio pregnancy)

What are cysts, how do they form, and why do we only get them in certain places?

There are many different types of jaw cysts. A cyst is an empty bubble wrapped in a thin membrane and found inside an organ or tissue.

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Jaw cysts are found inside the bone, which is why they are often called bone cysts, or hard-body cysts. A distinction is made between congenital or acquired jaw cysts.

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For example, follicle, globulo-maxillary and median lower jaw cysts are congenital cysts.

Periodontal or reticular cysts, on the other hand, are acquired.
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Cysts are named according to the tissue they originated in, which also provides a clue as to how they form.

Let’s take a look at reticular cysts, which are usually caused by faulty root treatment. For example, if the roots were not filled to the tip, then cysts can form there even years later.

How?

Well, if root canal tissue was left over after treatment, it starts to rot and causes an inflammation in the bone. And this can stimulate tissue to grow.

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Details on reticular cysts in this video!