Supportive Periodontal Therapy Research Paper

Assignment: Supportive Periodontal Therapy Intervals

Author: Aoife Malone, 15315724

Date: 6th May 2016

Key words:

• Periodontal Maintenance Procedures

• Supportive Periodontal Treatment

• Supportive Periodontal Therapy

• Recalls

• Periodontal Maintenance Therapy

Introduction:

Supportive Periodontal Treatment is an extension of periodontal therapy. Procedures performed at selected intervals to assist the periodontal patient in maintaining oral health. These usually consist of examination, an evaluation of oral hygiene and nutrition, scaling, root debridement and polishing of teeth. (Loe, H et al 1996) these procedures are performed at different intervals to a periodontal patient in maintaining oral health. Supportive periodontal therapy

Bacterial plaque forms around the teeth and if it is not removed can harden to become calculus. The chain of events continues with calculus deposits creating more plaque accumulation, infection of the gums and periodontal breakdown. Continual plaque control is vital in the maintenance of periodontal health. (Concepts, 2016)

The factors that contribute to this plaque control are brushing twice a day and the use of interdental aids will keep the formation of calculus to a minimum but won’t prevent it completely. It is designed to minimize the progression of periodontal disease in patients that have been previously treated for periodontal problems. This is an ongoing prevention program of periodontal cleanings and evaluations. (Concepts, 2016)

Every visit will include reviewing changes in the medical and dental history and completion of a oral exam to check for hidden problems. This includes an oral cancer screening and a thorough periodontal and dental examination. Changes in bone level and presence of caries can be easily seen by taking a radiograph. During this visit, plaque and calculus should be removed by the hygienist. The effectiveness of the daily oral hygiene methods are evaluated and reviewed. (Concepts,

Long-term successful treatment of chronic periodontitis requires placement of patients on post-treatment recall programs known as periodontal maintenance therapy or supportive periodontal therapy. (Armitage, GC et al, 2000). A selection of the recall intervals must be based on the specific needs of individual patients. A single recall interval (e.g. 6 months) is not suitable for all patients. The main purpose of these programs is to prevent the recurrence of periodontitis. (Armitage, GC et al, 2000). The components of every periodontal maintenance therapy program include: review of medical/dental histories; complete oral examination with an emphasis on the detection of gingival inflammation; establishing whether the maintenance program is working by monitoring clinical attachment levels; evaluation of oral hygiene; and full-mouth supragingival and subgingival debridement i.e. biofilm removal. (Armitage, GC et al, 2000). Long-term post-insertion care for dental implants also requires a similar patient-specific recall program of supportive implant therapy. The main purposes of a supportive implant therapy program are to maintain a healthy peri-implant mucosa and thereby prevent the development of peri-implantitis. (Craig, B et al 1996). In cases in which plaque-induced peri-implant mucositis has