When a 41-year-old woman came into Dr. Lee Sheldon’s office complaining of loose teeth and pain on both sides of her mouth, many would have jumped straight to extractions and implants. But Dr. Sheldon took a different approach: practical, conservative, and rooted in restoring function—not just filling spaces.
“This is not just about saving a tooth,” says Dr. Sheldon. “It’s about reversing the stresses—bacterial, occlusal—and giving her back long-term function without implants.”
Upon clinical and radiographic evaluation, tooth #5 showed class II mobility with significant bone loss. While many would consider immediate extraction, Dr. Sheldon noted, “There’s good mesial bone support. Let’s build on that rather than replace it.”
Tooth #19 presented a similar challenge. Despite severe distal bone loss, the mesial root had solid support. “We don’t want to sacrifice good bone,” he explains. “Implants shouldn’t be the default when we still have natural options.”
The patient’s occlusion played a major role. Teeth #6–10 had no contact, leaving tooth #5 to bear lateral forces. Dr. Sheldon’s fix? Add a simple, no-drill lingual composite to tooth #6 to reestablish canine guidance. “Now, tooth #6 and #27 share the load. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.”
His treatment plan included:
-
- OralDNA® testing to guide antibiotic therapy for what he classified as likely aggressive periodontitis
- Occlusal adjustment and composite bonding to redistribute forces
- A cost-effective nightguard to reduce nocturnal stress
- Periodontal endoscopy with PrefGel® to achieve pristine root surfaces
- Follow-up OralDNA® testing and re-evaluation at six weeks
“Implants in a periodontally compromised patient are more prone to peri-implantitis,” Sheldon warns. “If we can keep her functioning with her natural teeth for another 5, 10, or even 20 years—we’ve done our job.”
This case shows what’s possible when you slow down and look for the salvageable. Watch the full video below for Dr. Sheldon’s full treatment rationale and step-by-step approach. It’s a masterclass in conservative periodontal care.
He was the Chairman of the dental department at Holmes Regional Medical Center. He has chaired the Brevard Study Club since 1995, bringing dental continuing education to Brevard County dentists. As an associate clinical professor in the University of Florida College of Dentistry’s graduate department of periodontology for over eight years, he helped train periodontists of the future. He, along with our office manager, Danyel Salmela, are founders of the Institute for Dental Specialists. They have lectured at national and regional periodontal meetings in nearly every area of the U.S.A.
Dr. Sheldon was the first dentist from central Florida to use computer-guided surgery for implant placement. He was also the first to use the dental endoscope to assist in the effective nonsurgical treatment of gum disease. These innovations have led to the Solid Bite concept, providing beautiful, functional and efficient dental restorations.
As an author, Dr Sheldon has answered questions such as “Do you feel that there are no dental answers for you?” "The Ultimate Mouth Manual,"is authored by Drs. Sheldon, Sheldon, and Furtado and the book available in book stores, which contains information patients need to make dental decisions in the 21st century!
Dr. Sheldon is also a regular contributor to the column, “Focus on Seniors,” in the Senior Scene Magazine. His topics range from dental care to overall health care. He is also a regular panelist on the Focus on Seniors programs on radio and television, as well as a sought-after speaker on health care and nutritional topics.
- Saving Teeth, Avoiding Implants: Dr. Lee Sheldon’s Strategic Approach to Aggressive Periodontitis - June 20, 2025
- Bacteriological Testing Offers Many Opportunities - February 21, 2025
- Master the Comprehensive Examination - May 10, 2024