What is “Differential Diagnosis”?

Posted on December 15, 2017May 19, 2021 by Ronald C. McGlennen, MD

There is an old adage in medicine that says “When you hear hoof beats, think horses. Don’t think zebras.” This phrase can be applied to every patient and case; your eyes don’t tell the whole story. It is usually good advice to confirm the obvious, rather than spending time and resources investigating rare things. Consider the virtue of the “differential diagnosis”. In medicine, the differential diagnosis is a process by which the consideration of diagnosing one disease is distinguished fr...

A Higher Standard of Care

Posted on December 8, 2017May 19, 2021 by Stacey Espe RDH

For many years now, research has shown that there is a mouth body connection. In other words, what is happening in the mouth can impact what is happening with the body! In order for someone to have good health, they need to have good oral health. Unfortunately, periodontal disease is silent, as it does not hurt until it is severe. The minimal pain factor, as periodontal disease develops, may be why 80% of the United States population is suffering from periodontal disease. In the next paragra...

Case Study: Pregnancy and Periodontal Pathogens

Posted on December 1, 2017May 19, 2021 by Evelyn Chan DMD

Background: Patient is a 31 year old female, who presented with the chief complaint "My gums are swollen and painful." The last dental visit with exam was about 6 months ago. The radiographic examination including bitewings revealed horizontal bone loss and heavy amounts of generalized subgingival calculus. The patient's gums were erythematous with probe depths between 5-9 mm. Patient was diagnosed with generalized severe chronic periodontal disease. The additional challenge was that the patie...

Periodontist Turned Patient

Posted on November 17, 2017May 19, 2021 by Lauralee Nygaard DDS MS PS

As a periodontist, I pride myself on healthy gums. I admit to only getting a prophylaxis when the schedule permitted. My home care most likely resembles what most dental professional do, brush twice daily with an electric toothbrush and flossing most days. In grad school, it was discovered I had a few 4mm periodontal pockets. However, my professors were not concerned and I was never diagnosed with periodontal disease. Now fast forward several years. At age 37, after surviving an...

Pregnancy Gingivitis: Test, Don’t Guess

Posted on November 3, 2017May 19, 2021 by Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH

In 2015, about 1 out of 10 babies was born too early in the United States (1). In recognition of November's Prematurity Awareness Month, enjoy a hygienist's passion for providing exceptional periodontal care not just for the patient but the unborn patient. "Recently, I was training in a well-established dental practice of more than 30 years. The four woman, very talented and all out of school less than a year hygiene team, prompted the question about my opinion of pregnancy gingivitis. I...

Education and Encouragement through Connecting and Commitment: An Interview with Rosie Jimenez

Posted on October 27, 2017May 19, 2021 by Rosie Jimenez RDH

Dr. McGlennen: Tell me how do you use OralDNA® salivary diagnostics. Rosie RDH: Let me begin by sharing; I have been very fortunate to work in practices that support my passion for treating periodontal disease. My patients have benefited through the communication, assessment and treatment I provide. I know there are hygienists who feel they are not supported in their efforts. In honor of dental hygiene month, my advice- stay strong, keep educating yourself on new technologies and keep as...

Are you tired of the “Are you flossing?” song and dance? Find the Root Cause Instead: An Interview with Angie Bays

Posted on October 20, 2017May 19, 2021 by Angie Bays, RDH

Dr. McGlennen: What are the biggest benefits to using salivary diagnostics? Angie RDH: The biggest benefit with offering MyPerioPath® is it gives the clinician another platform for educating the patient. I know patients are fed up of hearing about brushing and flossing, just as much as hygienists are weary of saying it. Don’t get me wrong brushing and flossing are important but OralDNA® takes care to another level. We can now show the patient the root cause of the infection, maybe even ti...

We Were Always Taught

Posted on September 28, 2017May 19, 2021 by Richard H. Nagelberg, DDS

Dentists who were trained in the 70’s were always taught that the first instrument used in an operative procedure was the enamel hatchet. Caries excavation was done with spoon excavators and a belt driven low speed handpiece. We were always taught that reversible hydrocolloid was an excellent impression material, especially since you could use the same material on multiple patients. You just had to warm it back up in the water bath. We were always taught that we only needed to use a mask and...

A Total Health Approach at a Reasonable Price: An Interview with Dr. Isaac Comfortes DDS

Posted on September 22, 2017May 19, 2021 by Isaac Comfortes DDS

Dr. Nagelberg: Tell me how you use OralDNA salivary diagnostics. Dr. Comfortes: I started utilizing salivary diagnostics in 2013. Since then my approach has concentrated on total health, which I discuss this during every patient consult. Without the use of OralDNA® salivary diagnostics, the total health conversation would be difficult. First, I ask the patient if they understand the importance of the test. Then I address the levels of bacteria and how that is expressed in their gum health...

Where to Start

Posted on September 15, 2017May 19, 2021 by Richard H. Nagelberg, DDS

A common dilemma among many dental practices is how to transition the hygiene department from prophylaxis to comprehensive periodontal diagnosis and treatment. Among the concerns is the perception that if we are starting something new, does that imply that up until now patient needs have been inadequately addressed? The simple solution to this dilemma is referring to the constantly evolving knowledge in healthcare. Using phrases such as “Research has shown” or “We now know” , can help with t...