In the world of dentistry, some cases challenge even the most experienced professionals. Dr. Sanae Berrada and Ashling Wilson, RDH, from Tysons Dental Esthetics, part of Guardian Dentistry Partners, recently encountered such a case. Their journey with a patient suffering from refractory periodontal disease not only showcases the efficacy of Perio Protect but also highlights the importance of perseverance and innovative approaches in dental care.
The Patient's Profile
The patient, a male with undisclosed age, came to Tysons Dental Esthetics with a complex medical history:
Chronic periodontal disease
Significant dental anxiety ("hated the dentist")
Airway issues requiring treatment in a semi-supine position
Additional comorbidities that complicated treatment planning
Before Treatment
After Initial Treatment
He underwent SRP in January 2023, followed by maintenance SRP with Arestin application in March 2024.
The Challenge
Despite undergoing scaling and root planing (SRP) in January 2023 and a follow-up maintenance SRP with Arestin application in March 2024, the patient's condition remained unstable:
Generalized bleeding on probing (BOP)
Persistent inflammation
Lack of improvement despite laser therapy and local antibiotic application
Ashling Wilson, RDH, noted, "I sense that this patient was sort of resigned to the fact that he had chronic health issues that were going to inconvenience and impact him for the rest of his life, and he had accepted that his oral health was as good as it was going to get, which was not stable."
The Perio Protect Solution
In July 2024, the team decided to try a new approach: Perio Protect therapy. This treatment involves custom-fabricated trays that deliver a 1.7% hydrogen peroxide gel (Perio Gel) to the periodontal pockets. The goal was to address the cause of the opportunistic bacterial infection by cleansing the affected tissue and applying topical antimicrobial agents, with the added benefit of oxygen therapy.
Remarkable Results
After just three weeks of Perio Protect therapy, the results were striking:
80% reduction in bleeding on probing (BOP)
Generalized decrease in pocket probing depths (PPD)
Significant reduction in gingival inflammation
Noticeable improvement in tissue tone
Fresher breath, as reported by the patient's spouse
Increased patient comfort during probing procedures
Enhanced patient confidence and motivation for home care
Beyond Clinical Improvements
Perhaps even more remarkable than the clinical outcomes was the transformation in the patient's attitude. The transition from dental anxiety to increased comfort during procedures suggests that Perio Protect may offer psychosocial benefits in addition to its clinical efficacy.
Ashling Wilson observed, "In my opinion, the positive feedback demonstrated change and gave him hope. He no longer felt helpless."
The Power of Support and Compliance
The success of this case wasn't just due to the Perio Protect therapy alone. It was a combination of factors:
The dental team's perseverance in exploring alternative therapies
Perio Protect's support and tools for patient education
The patient's wife's enthusiasm in helping her husband commit to daily compliance
These elements came together to achieve successful results and convince the patient to continue using Perio Protect "as routinely as taking his blood pressure medication daily."
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates the potential of Perio Protect as an effective adjunctive therapy for refractory periodontal disease. It highlights the importance of not giving up on challenging cases and the value of innovative approaches in dental care.
For patients struggling with persistent periodontal issues, this story offers hope. For dental professionals, it serves as a reminder that with the right tools, support, and patient commitment, even the most challenging cases can have positive outcomes.
The journey from confrontation to confidence is possible, and Perio Protect might just be the key to unlocking that transformation for many patients.
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