The standard of care for nonsurgical periodontal treatment for reducing the dental risk for cardiac disease.

I t has been estimated that as many as 60 million consumers in the United States have periodontal disease, an estimated 35% ofthe adult population needing care.l It is now possible, utilizing evidence-based technology and supported care, that active periodontal disease with 6 mm of pocket depth or less can be controlled successfully and periodontal health maintained. Pocket depths greater than 6 mm are found in less than 5% of the population.l It can be anticipated that more consumers, after learning they can be treated and stabi­ lized without surgical intervention, will come to the dental office for this critically needed care. The first procedure that should be done for these new patients is a periodontal exam, to include a complete pocket depth probing. There is increasing evidence, with clinical studies having been completed and now un­ derway, that periodontal disease may pose a ;;ignificant risk to a patient's health. The oral-systemic disease connection reached prominence with the report of the US Sur­ geon General, Dr. David Satcher, in May 2000. Donna Shalala, then Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Ser­ vices, remarked in the opening message that the terms oral health and general health should not be interpreted as sepa­ rate entities, and that oral health is integral to general health. She stated that oral health means more than healthy teeth, and you cannot be healthy without oral health. 2 Most consumers want to be healthy and do not want to risk their health by neglect. If there is an opportunity to reduce risk of systemic disease by improving dental health, they are likely to consider treatment once a diagnosis is made and the potential risks for nontreatment are identified to them. Once periodontal health is estab­ lished following an evidence-based standard of care, restorative and cosmetic dentistry can be considered. The patient can have more confidence in this treatment, since suc­ cessful periodontal treatment has been pro­ vided and a stable condition of the periodon­ tal tissues achieved. Periodontal therapy outcomes can be im­ proved through several methods. Bennett 3 Figure 2. A colored probe makes it easy for the patient to see probing markings. Figure 1. EagleSoft perio charting, with areas requir· ing treatment highlighted in red. Figure 3. Type F Stat-ek is a grade F patient. Figure 4. Oraqix applicator tip is placed in gingival sulcus. recently reviewed the use of power scalers …