Gingivitis
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Periodontitis – disease of the tooth's connective tissue
Periodontitis is a common disease of the tooth's connective tissue, which starts from gingivitis. Periodontitis that progresses insidiously may cause loosening of teeth. With good treatment, the progression of periodontitis can be stopped.
Specialist in the article
Vastaava hammaslääkäri
Revised 12/28/2022
Periodontitis in a nutshell
- Periodontitis is caused by advanced gingivitis. In advanced periodontitis, teeth can wobble and eventually become become loose and fall out.
- Periodontitis is a risk factor for various serious diseases.
- Periodontitis can be controlled by dental and home care.
Symptoms of periodontitis
Do you think that you have gingivitis if, when brushing your teeth, your gums feel sensitive and there is blood in the sink? That may be true – but you may also be suffering from the early signs of periodontitis, which is even more serious than gingivitis.
In periodontitis, bacterial plaque destroys the connective tissue that attaches the teeth to the bone. The tooth can start to wobble and eventually even fall out.
Periodontitis is an insidious disease as it progresses slowly and can be asymptomatic for a long time. You may only notice that something is wrong when the teeth are becoming loose.
Periodontitis can be identified by these signs:
- bleeding gums
- bad breath
- an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- changes in the positions of the teeth
- teeth wobble and eventually fall out
Diagnosis of periodontitis
Periodontitis is caused by long-term gingivitis, so gingivitis should always be taken seriously. Therefore, clean your teeth thoroughly and make sure that plaque does not accumulate in the gumline and between your teeth.
Periodontitis does not show by looking in the bathroom mirror, but requires a dentist's gingival pocket measurement. This shows you how deep your gingival pockets are. The x-ray taken by the dentist also shows whether there is bone loss in the jawbone around the tooth.
Periodontitis is a threat to your overall health
Periodontitis not only affects your oral health. It is a risk factor for many serious diseases. Periodontitis maintains low-grade inflammation in the body and increases the risk of heart attack and cerebral infarction. Untreated periodontitis may also impair diabetes control.
This ailment that sounds fierce is very common: In Finland, approximately 70% of men and more than half of women have some degree of periodontitis. Since periodontitis does not necessarily cause any symptoms, so many people do not know that they are suffering from it.
Treatment of periodontitis
Periodontitis treatment starts with cleaning carried out by the dentist. If your gums are tender, red or bleeding, make an appointment with your dentist immediately.
If you have dental check-ups on a regular basis, your dentist may notice gingivitis in time. And once the gingivitis is treated, it will not develop into periodontitis.
Treatment for periodontitis is quite simple, as long as the dentist can start it on time. There is no need to be afraid of pain, as the dentist will use local anaesthesia, if necessary.
The treatment of periodontitis by a dentist
At the first appointment, the dentist cleans the tooth and tooth root surfaces with ultrasound, hand instruments and, if necessary, powder cleaning.
At the second appointment, your dentist will check if you still have deepened gingival pockets in your mouth and will assess how the treatment has progressed, whether the cleaning interval is correct and whether self-care is sufficient.
Maintenance treatment includes, for example, regular cleaning by ultrasound or powder cleaning. Your dentist will always plan your treatment individually.
Advanced periodontitis means that the tooth has lost most of its bone support. Then, tooth extraction may be the best solution. There is no reason to be afraid of this procedure either.
Periodontitis treatment at home
To prevent recurrence of periodontitis, it is important that you continue to treat the periodontitis at home:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and evening. The easiest way to clean your teeth is with an electric toothbrush.
- Clean the interdental spaces regularly. Some prefer dental floss, others an interdental brush – your dentist will advise you on the technique and the tool that suits you.
- Stop smoking because it exposes you to periodontitis.
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate not include the outpatient clinic fee (€33,90). No Kanta fee is charged for visits to the dentist. The outpatient clinic fee for a dental hygienist visit €19.30. If the procedure is with a specialist dentist,prices will be increased 30%| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
| Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
| Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 207,75–239,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 227,90–259,90 € | 207,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 227,90 € |
| Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 98,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
| Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 130,00–183,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 130,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
| Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–561,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
| Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–732,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
| Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
| Anaesthesia Prices 38,00–39,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 41,00–42,00 € | from 38,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
| Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Initial assessment of sleep apnea Learn more about sleep apnea and book an appointment (in Finnish) | from 57,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 84,00 € |
| Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Other related services
A dental implant replaces
Specialist dentist consultation and planning of further treatment.
Ceramic CEREC filling
More durable than conventional filling materials and a more aesthetic result.
Ceramic fillings
Modern and aesthetic ways to repair damaged teeth.
Clear aligner treatment with Invisalign aligners
Dentist consultation visit and selection of the Invisalign treatment method.
Cosmetic dental care
Can be used to alter the appearance of teeth and fix functional issues.
Dental X-ray
An important part of oral health care and an effective way to reveal oral diseases that the eye cannot detect.
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental check-up for children and young people
Specialist dental check-up visit for children and adolescents.
Dental cone beam imaging
Provides highly accurate three-dimensional information on dental and jaw structures.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Dental fillings
Filling a tooth involves removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with a filling material.
Dental hygienist
Provides individual advice for tending to your oral health.
Dental laminates or veneers
Can be used to correct colour defects, straighten individual teeth on the dental arch without orthodontic treatment.
Dental specialists
Are dentists who are specialised in one of the disciplines of dentistry. Specialist dentist consultation.
Dental staining removal
Dental staining removal by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Dental treatment under general anaesthesia
The most common reason for performing dental treatment under general anaesthesia is dental fear.
Dentist
Performs oral health examinations and treats oral diseases and other problems.
Dentures or false teeth
Assessment and planning of further treatment by a specialist in prosthodontics.
Emergency dental care
Emergency visit for sudden toothache, accident or other acute symptoms.
Laser teeth whitening
A gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and the effect is enhanced by light.
Massage of masticatory muscles
The massage of masticatory muscles alleviates pain in the head and jaw area.
Occlusal splints or mouth guards
Help the teeth muscles relax and protect teeth and dental structures.
Oral surgery
The examination and surgical treatment of the masticatory system and related tissues, diseases, and injuries.
Orthodontic treatment
Specialist dentist consultation to assess the need for orthodontic treatment.
Root canal treatment
The dentist treats an infected pulp of a tooth.
Tartar removal
Removal of tartar performed by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Teeth whitening
The safest and best teeth whitening is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is in such bad condition that it cannot be saved.
Tooth jewellery application
A dental hygienist applies tooth jewellery safely and durably.
White Spot treatment
Fading or removal of tooth discolorations.
Whitening consultation (free)
The purpose of the consultation is to identify a possible need for treatment.
Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth usually cause problems because there is not enough space for them to erupt.
Frequently asked questions about periodontitis
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue of the teeth, in which the bacterial plaque destroys the connective tissue fibres underneath the gums that fix the teeth to the bone. The tooth then starts to become loose and finally falls out.
You cannot completely recover from periodontitis, but if it is carefully treated – both at the dentist and at home – it can be controlled and the infection stopped.
Bad breath can be one of the symptoms of periodontitis. In addition, you might have a bad taste in your mouth.
Periodontitis may recur if you do not continue your dental home care diligently after the dentist’s treatment.
