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

Posted on August 23, 2024August 23, 2024 by Robert Benavides DDS

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...

Class II Generalized Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Requesting Implant Placement

Posted on February 16, 2024February 14, 2024 by Patricia Lugo DMD

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...

Redefining Dental Care for The Reluctant: Technology’s Role in the New Mouth-Body Connection Era

Posted on February 2, 2024January 30, 2024 by Robert Benavides DDS

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....

Transmissible Bacteria Between Spouses

Posted on October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 by Carey Duraiappa RDH

Challenge: My patient was very concerned about passing bacteria to his wife and young daughter. Background: Patient knew he had periodontal issues and was informed that he would likely need to see a periodontist. Patient: Age: 36 Sex: M Medical History: Essential hypertension Last Dental Exam: 6 months to a year Home Care: Good home care Chief Complaint: Needs cleaning, had been told he may need to see periodontist Other Notes: Reports increased stress over la...

Testing & Treatment When the Timing is Right

Posted on May 12, 2023May 10, 2023 by Jennifer Campbell RDH

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...

Active Periodontal Disease with Multiple Medical Complications

Posted on October 21, 2022October 20, 2022 by Brie Eickhoff RDH

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...

Dental Hygiene Student Discovers the Value of OralDNA® Testing

Posted on May 13, 2022May 13, 2022 by Kayla Rauschert, RDH

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...

Dental Hygiene Student Helps Manage Periodontal Disease Through MyPerioPath® Testing

Posted on May 6, 2022May 5, 2022 by Andrea Farago, RDH

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...

Patient with Chronic Gingivitis & Oral Candida

Posted on April 1, 2022March 29, 2022 by Kathleen Nichols, DDS

Challenge: Patient presented with chronic gingivitis and oral Candida symptoms Background: A 64-year-old female sought treatment from a medical doctor for a “thrush-like” infection. The medical doctor then referred the patient to an ENT. However, this patient was already of our record and decided to start with our office. The chief complaint is a “thrush-like” infection in the mouth, throat and lips. The clinical assessment confirmed generalized white patches. Upon periodontal assessment,...

Periodontal Disease with a Patient Experiencing Vision Impairment

Posted on March 11, 2022March 9, 2022 by Monica Vigon DMD

Challenge: Patient experiencing recent vision impairment presented as Stage III Grade B, active generalized periodontal disease with localized severe periodontal disease in the maxillary anterior area. Background: Age: 36 Sex: M Medical History: Patient reports recent vision impairment with the right eye. Under the care of the ophthalmologist, a diagnosis has not been found. No other systemic diseases or conditions reported. Last Dental Exam: Within 3 years Chi...