Preventative Dentistry

Common diseases: Caries, gingivitis and periodontitis

The most widespread diseases of the oral cavity are caries, gingivitis and periodontitis, common diseases caused by excessive bacterial plaque (biofilm). Plaque formation is promoted by frequent consumption of sugary foods in combination with poor oral hygiene. If plaque is not removed regularly, tartar and caries will form due to the storage of calcium salts.

If caries is detected at an early stage, the patient can be spared drilling and the enamel can be infiltrated and sealed at the site of the caries. More often, however, holes the holes that develop, which dentists refer to “cavities”, have to be treated with different filling materials. If you wait too long to treat the caries, cavities can develop that may even extend into the root canal. A root canal, known in the trade as endodontic treatment, would then be required.

If bacterial plaque is not removed properly over days and weeks, gingivitis initially develops, which in the longer term can develop into periodontitis with bone loss.

 Gingivitis is basically a “superficial” inflammation of the gums that can be avoided by regular, thorough tooth cleaning.  Periodontitis , on the other hand, is a more “deep-seated” inflammation. With this disease, the tooth loses its connection to the bone, “biting down firmly” becomes increasingly difficult, and without dental treatment tooth can lead to tooth loss. Bleeding gums and bad breath are the first indicators of these diseases.

Make an appointment now

Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm

+43 (0) 2732 70478701
zahnambulatorium-krems@dp-uni.ac.at

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Andrei M. Kielbassa
Director of the Center for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology