School of Dentistry

Chair and Department of Periodontology

In the Department of Periodontology, it is possible to complete the three-year specialist training programme to become a specialist in periodontology recognised by the Westfalen-Lippe Dental Association. A prerequisite is the completion of one year’s general dental practice.

The first year of the training programme focuses on the fundamentals of pathological anatomy, the fundamentals of prevention, clinical, radiological and microbiological diagnostics, initial treatment, the independent performance of simple periodontal surgical procedures, the fundamentals of implantology and peri-prosthetics, and assisting with complex surgical procedures.

The curriculum for the second and third years covers the independent performance of specialised and complex surgical procedures, taking into account regenerative techniques, mucogingival and plastic surgery techniques, the treatment of oral mucosal diseases, and the planning, execution, management and post-operative analysis of complex treatment cases.

In addition to practical skills, we provide theoretical knowledge through weekly seminars and literature reviews in English. Furthermore, case planning sessions and case discussions are held weekly. Participation in these theoretical training programmes is compulsory for WBA trainees throughout the three-year period.

Further information on further training to become a specialist in periodontology within the Westfalen-Lippe Dental Association

These are the services we offer to patients:

• We offer a consultation hour once a week for new patients, which is used for diagnostic assessment and advice: by telephone appointment only.
• For those interested in treatment, we draw up a comprehensive, personalised and multidisciplinary treatment plan for the management of advanced periodontitis. We are happy to do this in consultation and in collaboration with patients’ regular dentists and specialist colleagues within our practice. The aim is long-term tooth preservation, possibly with the aid of dental implants.
• Complex treatment for patients diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis plays a special role in this regard.
• We offer the planning and treatment of periodontitis patients using dental implants.
• Our services also include bone-building procedures as part of pre-implant or pre-prosthetic treatment.
  

Individual procedures and treatment methods:

• Non-surgical periodontitis treatment
• Surgical periodontitis treatment
• Guided tissue regeneration using enamel matrix proteins or membrane-supported techniques
• Pre-prosthetic surgery (e.g. crown lengthening)
• Plastic periodontal surgery (e.g. covering exposed root surfaces)
• Bone augmentation procedures for periodontitis patients following tooth loss in conjunction with implant-supported dentures
• Soft tissue and bone reinforcement prior to orthodontic treatment and, where necessary, coverage of recessions following orthodontic treatment
• Supportive periodontitis therapy (UPT)
  

Not every case of periodontitis needs to be treated by a specialist dentist. We are happy to work in collaboration with your regular dentist. If you have any questions about your periodontal health or a specific treatment, or if you would like to book an appointment with us, you will find the necessary contact details here.

Periodontitis – often incorrectly referred to as ‘periodontosis’ in everyday language – is widespread in Germany. According to the penultimate ‘German Oral Health Study’ (DMS IV), over 70 per cent of adults up to the age of 65 and over 85 per cent of older people suffer from periodontitis. Among young people, around ten per cent are affected by aggressive periodontitis.

The occurrence of receding gums – technically known as recession – is not always caused by periodontitis. Particularly in visible areas, there are often non-inflammatory reasons for such changes. The individual causes must be assessed on a patient-by-patient basis in order to select the correct form of treatment.

The problem is that, despite the high prevalence of periodontal diseases in Germany, there are only a small number of dentists with specialised training in this field: ‘specialist dentists in periodontology’ registered with the Westphalia-Lippe Dental Association (ZÄKWL) and the ‘specialists in periodontology’ of the DGParo e.V.

Periodontitis can be diagnosed and treated even in its early stages. If, initially, only the outer part of the periodontium is affected, the gums will first become red and swollen, and may bleed when you brush your teeth. Other symptoms may include an unpleasant taste or bad breath. If the inflammation progresses further, it can lead to receding gums and loose teeth.

Receding gums that are not caused by inflammation are particularly noticeable to people who are especially concerned about their health and appearance. Age plays a minor role in these changes. Adolescents and young adults may already notice such recession themselves; in such cases, professional advice is recommended. Similar approaches generally apply to correcting the appearance: the earlier a change is noticed, the simpler the treatment will be.

To book an appointment, please call

Telephone: +49 (0)2302/926-608 (please leave a message and we will call you back)

or email: parodontologie@uni-wh.de