Initial periodontal therapy

Question 1

What is a prognosis

Answer 1

A prediction of the probable course, duration and outcome of a disease based on presence of prognostic factors and usual course of the disease

Question 2

What is prognosis dependent upon?

Answer 2

• Patient compliance
• Disease severity
• Clinician’s previous experience

Question 3

Why are the different types of prognosises

Answer 3

• Overall
• Tooth specific

Question 4

What are factors are effecting prognosis

Answer 4

• General factors (Age, genetics, tobacco smoking, oral hygiene maintenance)
• Tooth specific (Remaining bone support, stratetic importance of the tooth, position of the tooth in the arch)

Question 5

What are the principles of periodontal treatment planning

Answer 5

• Dependent on the correct diagnosis
• Should be based on sequential stages of periodontal therapy

Question 6

How should you explain the treatment plan to the patient

Answer 6

• Begin your discussion on a positive note
• (Present) Entire treatment plan as a unit
• (Be) Specific, use simple language, avoid jargon
• Avoid vague statement
• Don’t use a patronising tone

Question 7

Describe the stages of periodontal therapy

Answer 7

• Emergency phase - relief of pain and discomfort
• Initial cause related therapy - elimination of plaque infections
• Corrective therapy (therapeutic measures)
• Supportive therapy (prevent disease recurrence)

Question 8

Whats the aim of initial therapy

Answer 8

• To eliminate all the infectious and inflammatory processes that cause periodontal and other problems that may hinder the patients general health
• Bring back the oral cavity to state of health, this means it can include periodontal procedures and other dental therapy

Question 9

Describe initial cause therapy

Answer 9

Control or elimination of plaque infections:
- Instruction in oral hygiene techniques
- Smoking cessation counselling
- Diet advice/fluoride advice/OHI

Question 10

Describe smoking cessation

Answer 10

• Advise patients of the adverse effects of smoking on their oral and periodontal health
• Record giving advice in patient’s notes
• Explain poorer response to periodontal therapy
• Give smoking cessation counselling

Question 11

What are dentifrices

Answer 11

• Total care
• Tartar control
• Gum health
• Fluoride

Question 12

What are the various methods for plaque control

Answer 12

• Patient mechanical
• Patient pharmacological
• Professional pharmacological

Question 13

Whats the sequence of periodontal therapy

Answer 13

Question 14

Why must you monitor at the end of initial therapy

Answer 14

To determine if corrective/supportive therapy is needed