Classic Periodontal Disease after COVID

By: Brenda Sullivan, RDH

January 28, 2022

The Challenge:

Patients are avoiding routine dental visits due to fear of contracting COVID. This patient had missed several hygiene appointments during the pandemic. Our goal was to re-establish health and increase home care to help this patient’s general immunity.

The Background:

  • Age: 84
  • Sex: Male
  • Medical History: History of cancer, high cholesterol, arthritis. Medications include Crestor® and fenofibrate. BP: 114/72 P: 83 Temp: 97.3
  • Last Dental Exam: 12/02/2020
  • Home Care: Poor. Patient was homebound due to the pandemic. Daily brushing stopped and consumption of sweets increased.
  • Chief Complaint: Wanted to get his teeth cleaned.
  • Clinical Assessment: Missing #1, 2, 15, 16, 17, 30, 31, 32. #12 is an existing implant, #13 broken at gum line, #11 gross decay under gum, furcation involvement with #14, 18, 19 and 3, and generalized mobility.
  • Periodontal Assessment: Adult chronic generalized moderate periodontal disease with localized severe periodontal disease.

The Solution:

  • Date of MyPerioPath® (Pre-Therapy) Test: 12/02/2020
  • Periodontal Therapy: 4 quads of scaling and root planing under Oraqix with ultrasonics, hand instruments and irrigation with diluted betadine.
  • Systemic Antibiotic Used: Amoxicillin 500 mg tid for 10 days and Metronidazole 500mg bid for 10 days
  • Home Care: Use Oracare medicated mouth rinse 2x/day and oral probiotics, gum line brushing with Sonicare toothbrush and Waterpik™ daily.
  • Date of MyPerioProgress® (Post-Therapy) Test: 4/19/2021

The Result:

This pandemic has taken a toll on several of our patients. I am grateful when they return for care even if I expect most to need our help to become healthier. This case study is an example of what can be achieved with the partnership of the patient to provide appropriate home care and personalized periodontal therapy based on clinical lab results from OralDNA® Labs.

About the Author:

Brenda Sullivan is a registered dental hygienist in Austin, TX. She attended the University of Texas Health Science Center where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2004. Brenda has been working at Arbor Oaks Dental with Dr. C. Ian Brawner, DMD since he took over the practice in 2016. The focus at Arbor Oaks Dental is complete and comprehensive care for each patient. Brenda has also trained through the IAOM for Myofunctional Therapy and will be working at IMyo: Orofacial Myology of Central Texas https://imyotherapy.com/.