The New Goal of Periodontal Therapy and How Best to Achieve It

The goals of oral healthcare have changed in recent years, largely as a result of findings about the link between periodontal disease and systemic illnesses. At best, the role of periodontal therapy in particular should go far beyond tooth cleaning and even tooth saving to managing the inflammation that accompanies periodontal disease, which is now known to be implicated in such systemic diseases as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses. This discussion defines the new goal of periodontal therapy and how to best achieve it.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Describe how risk assessment, biofilm control, and host response interact to result in periodontal and systemic disease.

• Discuss which patients and which sites should be treated aggressively and what the end point of therapy must be for these patients.

• Review how to best help patients achieve and then maintain a preferred level of oral health.

About the Author

Dr. Donley is a leading expert in the treatment of gum disease and dental implants. A sought-after international speaker, he co-authored the first-ever textbook (used in dental schools throughout the world) on modern ultrasonic treatment for gum disease. Dr. Donley graduated from the University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University School of Dentistry and completed his specialty residency at Indiana Medical Center in Indianapolis. He maintains a private practice in Bowling Green, Kentucky.