Evaluation of Initial therapy, including treatment plan and re-assessing prognosis

Question 1

What are the objectives of initial therapy?

Answer 1

Reduce or eliminate gingival inflammation by removing plaque retentive factors
Reduce or eliminate periodontal pockets produced by edematous enlargement of inflammed gingiva
Achieve surgical manageability

Question 2

What is the purpose of PR-E (Periodontal re-evaluation)?

Answer 2

Vital stage of the treatment plan
Method of evaluation of the periodontal status after non-surgical (initial) therapy
Effectiveness of therapy
Nature of further therapy (if needed is established)

Question 3

What procedures can be the initial periodontal therapy?

Answer 3

Scaling and Root Planing
OHI
Coronal scale and polish (prophy)
Occlusal therapy
Possible anti-microbial, antibiotic, or anti-inflammatory Rx

Question 4

BoP as a predictor of outcome

Answer 4

If present: A moderate predictor of future attachment loss
If absent (in non-smokers): Useful indicator of health

Question 5

Initial therapy may reduce pockets through…

Answer 5

Gingival recession

Clinical gain in attachment - probe penetrates into healthy tissue less than inflamed tissue

Question 6

Reduction in tooth mobility following initial therapy may occur due to…

Answer 6

Reduction in inflammation

Occlusal therapy

Question 7

What is the timing for evaluation for gingivitis?

Answer 7

2 weeks

Question 8

What is the timing for evaluation for periodontitis?

Answer 8

4 weeks minimum - give time to heal

3 months max - don’t want plaque to return

Question 9

What are the procedures for evaluation?

Answer 9

Review systemic health
Comprehensive perio charting
Compare findings to determine response to therapy
Re-assess prognoses
Review and revise TP