Neglected Active Periodontal Disease

The Challenge:

A new patient, a 59-year-old male, presents to our office with no specific concerns. However, a previous provider recommended a “deep cleaning.” This “deep cleaning” treatment was never completed. Patient has 4 fully erupted wisdom teeth that are difficult to access for daily cleaning.

The Background:

• Age: 59
• Sex: Male
• Medical History: High Blood Pressure but is taking medication
• Last Dental Exam: 2019
• Home Care: Manual toothbrush 2x daily, baking soda with peroxide, floss occasionally
• Chief Complaint: None
• Clinical assessment: Severe gingival inflammation, moderate plaque with heavy calculus sub/supragingival. Moderate to severe bone loss is evident on radiographs
• Periodontal Assessment: 2-9mm pocketing, Class I furcations noted, localized bone loss 15-33%

The Solution:

• Date of MyPerioPath^® (Pre-Therapy) test: 6/3/21
• 6/4/21: Right side upper & lower scaling & root planing performed with left side irrigation
• 6/8/21: Left side upper & lower scaling & root planing performed with right side irrigation
• Systemic Antibiotic Used: Full mouth irrigation, review of results and prescription for Metronidazole and Amoxicillin on 6/15/21.
• 5/2022: Patient presents for periodontal maintenance, exam, and radiographs

Additional Comments: Patient did finish the prescribed antibiotics however he has not been compliant with flossing or his re-care visits. He stated he thought the Waterpik^™ could replace flossing.

The Result:

At 6 months after completion of the initial scaling & root planing appointments the patient showed improvement in pocket depths and tissue appearance. MyPerioPath^® comparison also showed a dramatic reduction in the bacterial load. At his visit a year later, the tissue continues to show health except for around the wisdom teeth. It has been recommended to extract tooth #1 due to decay. We will continue to encourage consistent hygiene appointments, improved home care and bacterial monitoring to help ensure long term remission of the periodontal disease.

About the Author:

Dr. Gonzales is a top 5-Star rated General and Cosmetic dentist who is committed to providing high-quality dental care based on the foundation of honesty. “Honesty guides me at all times because patients trust me with their health. I go home each day feeling good about what I do.”

Dr. Gonzales’s daily inspiration is helping patients believe in their health. “It is a reward to help my patients achieve a comfortable and confident smile. I am just a catalyst, but they are the one who takes ownership, invests in, and maintains their oral health. I am so fortunate to be part of the process.”

She is originally from a small town in Southern California and completed her undergraduate education at University of California, Berkeley. Later she graduated with high honors from University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

After ten years in San Francisco, Dr. Gonzales moved to Albuquerque to practice with her uncle Dr. Charles Gallagher. “It was an opportunity I could not pass up. Academy Dental Care is an outstanding dental office, as you will soon find out!”

When Dr. Gonzales is not in the office, you can find her on her Pelaton exercise bike!  She also likes skiing, tennis, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family.