SDCEP Flashcards
what is periodontal disease
comprises a group of related conditions, both acute and chronic characterized by inflammation of the periodontal tissues in response to the presence of dental plaque.
what is gingivitis
Plaque-induced inflammation of the gingivae characterised by red, swollen tissues which bleed on brushing or probing
what is chronic periodontitis
Characterised by the destruction of the junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment of the tooth, together with bone destruction and formation of periodontal pockets.
The disease progresses slowly and the amount of bone loss tends to reflect the age of the patient over time
What is aggressive periodontitis
A severe condition usually found in a younger cohort of patients, which may be associated with a familial history of aggressive periodontitis.
Disease progression is rapid and the degree of destruction of the connective tissue attachment and bone is severe, considering the age of the patient.
Plaque levels may be inconsistent with the level of disease seen
What is periodontal abscess
Infection in a periodontal pocket which can be acute or chronic and asymptomatic if freely draining
what is gingival enlargement
Thickening of the gingivae which can occur as a response to irritation caused by plaque or calculus, repeated friction or trauma, fluctuations in hormone levels or the use of some medications
What are the significant risk factors for periodontitis
smoking and diabetes
what is smoking thought to do
reduce gingival blood flow therefore suppressing the signs and symptoms of gingivitis, impair wound healing and increase production of inflammation mediating cytokines
how does diabetes effect periodontitis
Poorly controlled diabetes enhances the signs and symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis and has an adverse effect on wound healing, making treatment more difficult.
what are other factors that increase severity of periodontitis
Family history Stress Diet Obesity Osteoporosis Rheumatoid arthritis
What medications result in a risk of gingival enlargement
calcium channel blockers (hypertension)
phenytoin (epilepsy)
ciclosporin (antirejection)
What are local risk factors that increase the risk of periodontal disease
calculus, mispositioned teeth, overhanging restorations and partial dentures
What should you do regarding risk factors
Ensure you have an up to date medical history for all patients.
Explain to patients who smoke the effect smoking can have on their oral health and general health.
Explain to patients who have diabetes that poorly controlled blood sugar levels increase the risk of developing periodontal disease or worsening existing periodontal disease. Consider communicating with their GMP if necessary
Explain to all patients the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet to their overall health and oral health in particular
Ensure that patients who are pregnant are aware of their increased risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis. Highlight the need for more frequent visits for dental prophylaxis or, if required, supportive periodontal therapy during pregnancy.
when should dentate patients be screened for periodontal disease
at every routine examination
what does screening involve
probing of the periodontal tissues to assess the presence of bleeding on probing, plaque and calculus deposits and the depth of any gingival or periodontal pockets which may be present.
what is the probing force
25g which is equivalent to the force required to blanch a fingernail
why does bleeding on probing occur
inflammation of the periodontal tissues occurs in response to the presence of dental plaque microorganisms and results in bleeding on probing except in smokers where the inflammatory response is suppressed
what does the absence of bleeding in patients with a history of periodontitis suggest
an absence of bleeding on probing suggests that the tissues are now stable.
what is the BPE
simple and rapid screening tool
what does the BPE not provide
a diagnosis
does not tell you extent of the problem
what does BPE allow
it does indicate what further assessment and periodontal treatment is required
what probe is used for BPE
WHO CPITN
why is the BPE not suitable for reassessment following treatment
it does not provide information about how the individual sites respond to treatment
what should patients be asked when doing BPe
ask if they are aware of any symptoms which may indicate the presence of periodontal diseases.
what is done in a full periodontal examination
involves the charting of recession, probing depths, bleeding on probing and mobility of every tooth. It is carried out using a calibrated periodontal probe such as the 15mm or PCP 12mm probe or the Williams 10 mm probe
what is the normal position of the GM
at the CEJ
where may the Gm be in healthy young patients or in cases where the GM is swollen
coronal
what are the main drivers for patients to seek treatment
. Patients may be concerned by the aesthetic implications of receding gums, also root surfaces may be sensitive, and these can be main drivers for them to seek treatment.
what is probing depth
probing depth is the distance from the gingival margin to the base of the pocket
Why can the position of the gingival margin change
The position of the gingival margin can change due to swelling or recession
what does the prevention of periodontal diseases and maintenance of the PD tissues rely on
on the ability and willingness of the patient to perform and maintain effective plaque removal
what is TIPPS
- Talk with the patient about the causes of periodontal disease and discuss any barriers to effective plaque removal
- Instruct the patient on the best ways to perform effective plaque removal
- Ask the patient to practice cleaning his/her teeth and to use interdental cleaning aids whilst in the dental surgery
- Put in place a plan which specifies how the patient will incorporate oral hygiene into daily life
- Provide support to the patient by following up at subsequent visits
What is the best way on delivering advise
through hands on demonstrations. Remember consent is required