Periodontal Therapy – a 4-Step Guide to Successful Outcomes
More than half of UK adults (45%) and 60% of over 65s are currently affected by periodontal disease.
For dentists, taking a scientifically supported approach to periodontal therapy is key to achieving successful outcomes and bringing down these worryingly high figures.
Acteon, a world leader in the manufacture of periodontal instruments and equipment, suggests following a proven 4-step workflow to achieve the best results.
How serious is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease as it's more commonly known, has the potential to seriously impact a person’s quality of life.
Of all UK adults currently suffering from the disease, 10% are living with the most severe from which can cause pain and tooth loss.
Aside from teeth and gums, periodontal disease can also affect mental health and contribute towards heart disease, pneumonia, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
Relaying this information to patients and raising awareness of the serious health risks associating with gum disease can help them improve their oral hygiene.
Gingivitis vs periodontitis - what’s the difference?
The most well-known types of periodontal disease are periodontitis and gingivitis.
The key difference between periodontitis and gingivitis is that gingivitis is reversible whilst periodontitis is not.
If left untreated, gingivitis can quickly lead to periodontitis which is what destroys the bone around the teeth and leads to tooth loss.
What does a 4-step periodontal workflow look like?
The 4-step periodontal therapy workflow recommended by Acteon looks like this:
Diagnose – Discuss – Treat – Review
The workflow leans on BSP S3 treatment guidelines, the UK version of the European S3 treatment guidelines document.
Vital to successful implementation is knowing what periodontal instruments and equipment to use and at what stage.
F.L.A.G Disclosing Solution
Acteon F.L.A.G disclosing fluid targets dental plaque and bacteria, turning it fluorescent under the Newtron SLIM B.LED handpiece with Blue Light.
It makes treatment more effective and 20% more plaque can be removed without any additional time.
F.L.A.G liquid can be used at step 1 of a periodontal workflow to reveal early signs of plaque and gingival inflammation so you can engage your patients at the earliest point and educate them on the importance of oral hygiene.
It can also be used at step 2 of the workflow to make comparisons with the patient’s previous visit.
Pure Newtron P5XS BLED
Acteon Pure Newton P5 BLED is a compact and stylish ultrasonic generator combining 4 treatment modes.
It is used at step 2 of the workflow to perform subgingival instrumentation and at steps 3 and 4 if surgical intervention is required.
Studies have shown that equipment like the Newton P5 BLED can reduce treatment times by 20 to 50% when compared to hand scaling alone.
- Sleek ergonomic design
- Removable control dial
- Handpiece holder for aseptic control
- LED technology for detection of dental plaque
Air-N-Go
Acteon Air-N-Go is a dual air polisher suitable for not only periodontal treatment, but prophylaxis and implant work too.
4 different nozzles are available to provide a continuous, accurate and controlled spray.
It can be used at steps 2 and 3 of a periodontal workflow and at step 4 to perform PMPR (professional mechanical plaque removal) if required.
- Ultra-handy, lightweight and with a 360-degree rotation
- Supreme freedom of movement including difficult to access areas
- Features a non-slip silicone ring which increases the grip and reduces the risk of dropping
- Can be turned from air polisher into air and water syringe with STOP POWDER function
- Range of powder flavours available
Bliss Hand Instruments
Acteon Bliss hand instruments are ergonomic and lightweight hand instruments that can be used at steps 2, 3 and 4 of a periodontal therapy workflow.
Bliss instruments use surgical grade stainless steel and thermal treatments to make ultra-sharp, long-lasting edges.
Instruments available in the Bliss range include curettes, burnishers, spatulas, probes and pluggers.
All the products needed to implement an effective 4-step periodontal therapy workflow are available to buy from Kent Express.
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