Testing & Treatment When the Timing is Right

By: Jennifer Campbell RDH

May 12, 2023

The Challenge:

A patient of record since 2014, single dad and full-time factory plant worker came in for a routine dental.

The Background:

  • Age: 33 years old
  • Sex: Male
  • Medical History: Asthma, high blood pressure, patient has history of smoking, on and off up to a pack per day.
  • Last Dental Exam: 2020
  • Home Care: Brush, floss, rinse, shower flossing device
  • Clinical Assessment: Dental history shows high caries risk, and adult periodontitis. The patient shows current clinical evidence of uncontrolled periodontal disease, not responsive to traditional therapy (cleaning and homecare).
  • Medical Assessment: Current medications are Rosuvastatin, Lamictal®, Lisinopril and Oxybutynin.

Additional Information: In 2014, a recommendation for testing was declined because he did not feel he could afford it at that time. Today the timing was right.

The Solution:

  • Date of MyPerioPath® (Pre-Therapy) Test: 01/14/2021
  • Dental/Periodontal Therapy: Scaling and root planing (SRP) with anesthetic, piezo removal of hard, soft and bacterial deposits, manual hand scaling and air polishing.
  • Systemic Antibiotic Used: Amoxicillin and Metronidazole
  • Home Care: Continue existing protocol.
  • Other Notes: Recommendation is 3 month follow up care appointment.
  • Date of MyPerioProgress® (Post-Therapy) test: 07/21/2021

The Result:

This patient had an excellent response to SRP and antibiotic therapy with a bacteria load decrease of 65%. Patient is more consistent with a good oral care routine and cleaning his mouth more often.

About the Author:

Jennifer is a dental hygienist with over a decade of experience working in private and public health dentistry. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.