Chronic periodontitis: Two tests for tailored treatment and preventive care

You’ve already consulted a specialist for periodontal treatment, but you’re facing a recurrence? Are you wondering whether your children are at risk of the same problems? In the case of chronic periodontitis, a periodontal PCR bacterial test may be useful to determine the composition of dental plaque and, if necessary, prescribe a suitable antibiotic to eliminate the recalcitrant bacteria responsible for the disease. Genetic testing may also be considered, to see if you are a carrier of a hereditary gene that could potentially be responsible for the onset of the condition. Studio Dentaire, a specialist periodontology practice in Lyon, explains the causes of recurrence, what the tests involve and their benefits.

Reasons for chronic periodontitis in adults

Periodontal disease is a multifactorial illness which gradually destroys the tooth’s support system and can lead to tooth loosening. It depends not only on effective plaque removal during brushing, but also on the patient’s immune response. In some people, the immune response is impaired by a mutation in the gene coding for Interleukin IL-I (the molecule responsible for the immune response). In patients with this mutation, the risk of aggressive periodontal disease is higher. A genetic test (Periodontal Susceptibility Test PST) is available to detect this mutation. The onset of periodontal disease is generally not only linked to the quantity of bacteria under the gums: there are often specific bacteria present which trigger or participate in the onset of the disease. In the presence of periodontitis that is recalcitrant to treatment, it is worth proposing a microbiological test that will provide an antibiogram to determine the right antibiotic to use.

How does periodontal testing work and what are the benefits?

There are 2 tests available for periodontitis patients: a periodontal bacterial PCR test and a genetic test. The PCR test is carried out in your dental surgery: small paper tips are placed in residual periodontal pockets to soak up the bacteria present, before being removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis and culture. The genetic test, also performed in the office, involves a simple smear of your cheek, which is then analyzed to identify any genetic markers (Interleukin 1) that may be responsible for the onset of periodontitis. Both tests are as quick as they are painless, and both offer real benefits. The PCR test is particularly suitable for patients who have already undergone periodontal treatment. Bacteriological analysis will enable us to adjust treatment for chronic periodontitis in the event of recurrence, and to prescribe appropriate antibiotics to eliminate recalcitrant bacteria and prevent them from proliferating again. Finally, if you suffer from periodontitis, it may be useful to undergo genetic testing to check for mutation of the gene coding for Interleukin IL-I. If the marker is indeed present, having your children tested will enable you to adapt their dental care accordingly, and to carry out preventive care. The presence of this gene is a major risk factor in the onset and development of periodontitis, but this does not mean that a person with this genetic predisposition will necessarily be affected. The onset and evolution of the disease are due to a number of factors, so monitoring and prevention are important to avoid the onset of this pathology.

How much do these tests cost? How do I take them?

Are you suffering from severe periodontitis and would like to know the price of a periodontal PCR bacterial test and a genetic test? If you haven’t already done so, we recommend that you contact Studio Dentaire in Lyon 3ème to meet one of our three periodontal dentists. Your practitioner will offer you a full oral check-up (dental examination, radiology and saliva test) to confirm the diagnosis and determine the course of the disease. Based on the results, we’ll develop a customized treatment program to clean up periodontal pockets and halt the progression of the disease. A prescription for genetic testing may be offered to you and your children at the same time as your follow-up. If, at the end of the treatment, we find that the pockets have not healed, or that there is a recurrence after a few months, we can then suggest that you undergo a PCR test at the office, so that we can prescribe antibiotics.

The genetic test costs around €50 and the periodontal PCR test between €100 and €200. Periodontal treatment itself costs between €800 and €4000, depending on the number of lithotripsy sessions required. Only the scaling session(s) will be reimbursed by Social Security. Part of the cost of the dental check-up may be reimbursed by the French Assurance Maladie, plus a lump sum by your mutual insurance company, depending on your coverage. If necessary, we can offer you a personalized payment schedule.

Studio Dentaire has welcomed you at 4 bd Eugène Deruelle in Lyon since 1999, a stone’s throw from the Part-Dieu SNCF train station and Les Halles de Lyon. Please call us on 04 78 62 84 08 from Monday to Friday for any inquiries or to book an appointment.