Periodontitis—therapy of a widespread disease

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory noncommunicable disease that affects all parts of the periodontium and causes irreversible damage. It is estimated that around 10 million people in Germany suffer from severe forms of periodontitis. The disease usually shows few or only mild symptoms over many years, which are often not perceived or correctly classified by the patient. A lack of awareness could lead to dental treatment being sought in an advanced stage of the disease when extensive therapeutic measures have become necessary and the prognosis for tooth retention has worsened. The periodontal screening index (PSI) is a simple and rapid tool that is used to assess the level of further examination needed. The index is now carried out on many patients. However, the number of treatments remain low and behind what is necessary to reduce the existing burden of periodontitis. Every dental practice must be able to implement periodontal therapy in their clinical setting. Periodontal specialists can support general dentists significantly, especially in the treatment of severe forms of periodontitis. This requires an upgrading of the subject in university education, but also an increasing postgraduate differentiation of specialized dentists for periodontology. The new treatment guidelines for PAR (periodontal) therapy allow periodontal treatment on the basis of internationally recognized scientific standards and thus improve the framework conditions for therapy in the dental practice.