Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. This infection may be influenced not only by oral health factors but also by other diseases like diabetes or cardio-vascular diseases. Smoking, stress and genetic factors may also influence the incidence of periodontal disease. Sometimes, the association of periodontal disease and other (systemic) diseases goes in both directions: this means that not only periodontal disease can be influenced by other diseases but that also periodontal disease might have a strong impact on the course of systemic diseases.

HEALTHY GINGIVA

If the plaque, which contains the bacteria is not regularly removed through good oral health care and by professional means (see also Prophylaxis), an inflammation of the gums may be the result. The patient and/or the dentist can see that the gums are red, slightly swollen and bleed easily. This early form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis.

Gingivitis can be reversed into a healthy state thanks to professional teeth cleaning (see also: Scaling and Prophylaxis) followed by improved home oral care by the patient (see also: BacterX® ).

As gingivitis does not usually cause particular discomfort for the patient, this condition does not motivate him or her to see a dentist. Also, bleeding gums are traditionally considered as being quite "normal" and not recognized as the symptom of the disease. In some cases, even dentists do not diagnose gingivitis unless the patient complains about discomfort.

GINGIVITIS

If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. Plaque and its bacterial population will go deeper and deeper down below the sulcus area. The inflammatory response of the body will cause the gums (and finally also the bone surrounding the teeth) to retract and separate from the teeth. Spaces between the gums and the teeth are formed, the so-called pockets. Even at this time, the patient may just feel minor discomfort. Too often, he or she will go and see the dentist only when the bone around the teeth has decreased so much that one or several teeth become loose.

PERIODONTITIS

Following conservative estimates, more than 50% of the general population have gingivitis, which already should be treated by the dentist (professional teeth cleaning). At least one third of the population suffers from a mild or advanced form of periodontitis. This means that the treatment need worldwide is enormous! It goes without saying that specialized periodontists play an important role, especially in severe cases. However, in order to give treatment to the very high number of people concerned by moderate forms of periodontal disease (including gingivitis), general practitioners and dental hygienists are indispensable.

Like the AAP (American Academy of Periodontology), EMS wants to contribute to oral and general health by offering the tools for periodontal treatment in the least invasive and at the same most cost-effective manner.

Piezon® ultrasonic units like the Piezon® Master 600, miniMaster, miniPiezon^®, or even the built-in kit are the perfect drive for the renowned EMS Perio instruments.
These instruments are extremely slim and provide optimum access to deep pockets and interproximal spaces (see also: CRA Newsletter, June 1998: in a comparison of the leading automated scalers, only the PS instrument from EMS was rated "excellent"). As a result of their watchmaker-like surface finish and to the sophisticated Piezon® electronics, EMS Perio instruments deliver a very smooth and gentle treatment - which improves patient comfort and encourages them to return to the dentist.

For general subgingival deposit removal on all root surfaces. Can also be used for supragingival maintenance therapy. Suitable as well for periodontal pocket irrigation with antimicrobial delivery (see also: Piezon® Master 600, miniMaster, miniPiezon®). VIEW INSTRUMENT PS DEMO

For periodontal maintenance therapy on all root surfaces and for pocket irrigation with antimicrobial delivery (see also: Piezon® Master 600, miniMaster).

Instrument PL1 (left-curved) and PL2 (right-curved) are used for periodontal debridement, especially in the maintenance phase. Shaped for lingual and buccal surfaces as per quadrant. For improved access to furcations. VIEW INSTRUMENT PL1, PL2 DEMO

Instrument PL4 (left-curved) and PL2 (right-curved) have tiny ball-ends and are used for the debridement of furcations and even concavities. Shaped for lingual and buccal surfaces as per quadrant.