Dr. Benavides: “Did We Overtreat: The Value of Proactive Intervention for the Periodontal Patient.”

Disambiguating between Plaque-Induced Gingivitis and Stage II Periodontitis is an easy diagnostic feat. The difficulty increases when we attempt to finalize a diagnosis between Gingivitis and Early-Onset Periodontitis. As a reminder, according to The American Academy of Periodontology, it takes 15% of radiographic bone loss (RBL) for our patients to land at Stage I Periodontitis. The goal of this article is to present you with two cases that could be interpreted as borderline. Our goa...
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Class II Generalized Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Requesting Implant Placement

Challenge: To establish periodontal remission by addressing the clinical manifestations of periodontal disease and altering the oral flora in order to lower the incidence of periodontal disease relapse. Bacterial management will eliminate a source of total body inflammation and increase success of implant placement. Background: The patient is a 66 year-old-male with rheumatoid arthritis, taking Lisinopril and is a potential candidate for implant to restore #19. Patient’s daily home care r...
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Redefining Dental Care for The Reluctant: Technology’s Role in the New Mouth-Body Connection Era

Challenge: Addressing the unique needs of a patient with a history of hesitancy towards dental care, compounded by complex health issues such as Tobacco Dependence Syndrome, Hypertension, and Prediabetes, presented a significant challenge. This task, however, was greatly facilitated by the integration of CBCT/OralDNA® technologies. These cutting-edge tools played a pivotal role in demystifying the pathos process, enabling a more clear and personalized approach to the patient's treatment plan....
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Testing & Treatment When the Timing is Right

Challenge: A patient of record since 2014, single dad and full-time factory plant worker came in for a routine dental . Background: Age: 33 years old Sex: Male Medical History: asthma, high blood pressure, patient reports smoking history, 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 evi...
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How Do You Speak Testing? With Yemia White RDH

Patient Bio: Your new male patient, age 45, presents with the below findings. He has smoked 1 pack per day for the past 25 years. Upon medical history review you discover his blood pressure and cholesterol are being controlled by medication. He confides that his father passed away at age 53. How would you introduce therapy including MyPerioPath® to this patient? Mr. Smith, thank you for allowing us to collect pertinent information for your comprehensive oral health assessment. May I ...
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How Do You Speak Testing? with Judith Nwagwu RDH

Patient Bio: Your female patient, age 63, struggles as she enters the operatory. You have been seeing her for 4 years. Her wheezing and appearance of being out of breath are due to her new diagnosis of COPD. She is recently widowed. How would you introduce therapy including Alert 2™ testing to this patient?  Welcome to our office where we are big advocates of the Mouth Body Connection™. We are not just here for your teeth and gums, but also your overall health and wellness. We would love to h...
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Active Periodontal Disease with Multiple Medical Complications

Challenge: A patient with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and active periodontal disease, most recently was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, will receive periodontal therapy. Currently, proper home care is limited to the physical difficulties of MS. Background: A 58-year-old female presented on 4/17/2018 with a chief complaint of xerostomia and physical difficulties challenging a proper home care regimen. Due to living with MS for several years, the patient has partial left-side paralysis resulti...
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Dental Hygiene Student Discovers the Value of OralDNA® Testing

Challenge: To reduce periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity that are contributing to severe periodontal inflammation, improve oral malodor as reported by the patient and remove unsightly calculus buildup that is harboring oral pathogens. Introduction: In Fall of 2021, I had the pleasure of learning about OralDNA® Labs’ testing from my instructor Jamie Griggs of Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC). Before knowing anything about OralDNA® or how the process works, I wondered why...
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Dental Hygiene Student Helps Manage Periodontal Disease Through MyPerioPath® Testing

Challenge: To reduce periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity that are contributing to severe periodontal inflammation and tissue sensitivity. Background: The patient is a 33-year-old female with a history of treatment for ovarian cancer. The patient presented with severely inflamed gingiva with generalized extreme heavy bleeding upon gentle probing. Upon touch, there was generalized sensitivity. For the patient’s home care routine, she states that she practices daily toothbrushing and in...
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How Do You Speak Testing? With Katherine Gutierrez RDH

Patient Bio: Your patient is 34 years old, and she is new to your practice. She recently moved back to the area to be closer to her father who was recently diagnosed with dementia. Her partner and two children will also be joining your practice soon. She is not taking any medications and her last dental visit was before she moved about 9 months ago. She presents with these clinical signs. How would you introduce therapy including MyPerioPath® to this patient? In our practice, the doc...
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