Starting treatment: findings and screening
Cleaning alone is no longer enough with periodontitis. Only periodontal treatment at the practice can bring the inflammation to a standstill.
If an examination shows that the tooth-supporting apparatus needs treatment, a detailed conversation comes first: about oral hygiene at home, about possible causes and about the steps that follow.
The periodontal screening index
To assess the state of the periodontium, the periodontal screening index – PSI for short – is recorded. It also serves early detection: changes show up in it before they cause any discomfort.
How the measurement works
A blunt probe is passed around each tooth. Two things are recorded: how deep the gum pocket is at that point and whether the gum bleeds in the process. Together they give a picture of how far the disease has progressed and which treatment is indicated.
The key points at a glance
- It begins with the assessment: pocket depths at every tooth, bleeding on probing, medical history.
- German statutory insurance covers the systematic treatment where the findings justify it. The application is made before treatment begins.
- Before the cleaning itself the causes are addressed: oral hygiene, smoking, existing conditions.
- Weeks lie between the steps in which the tissue heals. Reckon with several months.
Answered briefly
Frequently asked questions
The findings are recorded: pocket depths are measured at every tooth, the tendency to bleed is assessed and the medical history is taken. A conversation about smoking, existing conditions and home oral hygiene belongs to it.
Bring a list of your medication and mention any known conditions, particularly diabetes, cardiovascular disease and blood thinners. That affects the planning.
The cleaning itself takes one to two sessions, depending on the extent. Weeks lie between the steps in which the tissue heals. Reckon with several months overall – the aftercare then continues permanently.