Dental Patient Tests and Case Study

Periodontal Charting – Initial Visit

Periodontal Charting – Re-evaluation Visit

Medical History

History of Chief Complaint:

Family History:

General Medical History:

Special Dental History:

Radiographs

Radiographs

Radiographic Examination

General Radiographic Findings (oral):

Special Radiographic Findings (periodontal):

I. Quadrant

Bone Loss distally

Bone loss mesially

Susp. Furc. Inv.

Wid. Lig.- Space

1.Q

h/v

c1/3

m1/3

a1/3

2/3-wall

1.Q

h/v

c1/3

m1/3

a1/3

2/3-wall

1.Q

18

18

18

17

17

17

16

16

16

15

h

X

15

h

X

15

14

h

X

14

h

X

14

13

h

X

13

h

X

13

12

h

X

12

h

X

12

11

h

X

11

h

X

11

II. Quadrant

III. Quadrant

IV. Quadrant

DIAGNOSIS

General Periodontal Diagnosis:

Single Tooth Periodontal Diagnosis:

(attachment/bone loss based on radiographic findings)

Tooth	18	17	16	15	14	13	12	11	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28
superficial				X	X	X	X	X	X	X
medium (moderate)
profound (advanced)
and complex
Tooth	48	47	46	45	44	43	42	41	31	32	33	34	35	36	37	38
superficial	X											X				X
medium (moderate)											X
profound (advanced)
and complex

PROGNOSIS

First prognostic evaluation (after initial periodontal assessment)

General Periodontal Prognosis:

Single Tooth Prognosis (Perio, Endo, Prosth.)

Tooth	18	17	16	15	14	13	12	11	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28
Spec. Period. Prognosis				+	+	+	+	+	+	0
Endodont. Prognosis
Prosth.Prognosis				+						0
Final prognostic value				+	+	+	+	+	+	0

good: +     questionable: 0     hopeless: 

Tooth	48	47	46	45	44	43	42	41	31	32	33	34	35	36	37	38
Spec. Period. Prognosis	+										0	+				+
Endodont. Prognosis
Prosth.Prognosis	+										+	+				+
Final prognostic value	+										0	+				+

2nd prognostic evaluation (after re-evaluation)

General Periodontal Prognosis:

Single Tooth Prognosis (Perio, Endo, Prosth.)

Tooth	18	17	16	15	14	13	12	11	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28
Spec. Period. Prognosis				+	+	+	+	+	+	0
Endodont. Prognosis
Prosth.Prognosis				+					+	0
Final prognostic value				+	+	+	+	+	+	0

good: +     questionable: 0     hopeless: 

Tooth	48	47	46	45	44	43	42	41	31	32	33	34	35	36	37	38
Spec. Period. Prognosis	+										0	+				+
Endodont. Prognosis
Prosth.Prognosis	+										+	+				+
Final prognostic value	+										0	+				+

TREATMENT PLAN

Professional Prophylaxis: supragingival debridement & establishment good oral hygiene (mandatory)

Initial Visit

At the initial visit, EF presented with SBI of 0%, API of 75%, and PSR of 3/3/-/3/-/2 EF was given oral hygiene instructions specifically to switch to an Oral B electric toothbrush from her firm manual toothbrush and the use of green and black Pixster interdental brushes for her maxillary and mandibular teeth, respectively. EF was taught toothbrush technique using an electric toothbrush and how to clean interproximally. EF presented with 5 root carious lesions that require restorations. Whole mouth supragingival plaque and calculus removal was completed.

Problem List

Mobile teeth with recession

Root carious teeth

Treatment Plan

Restorative: 15D, 21D, 38M, 34D, 33M

Prosthodontic: P/- acrylic or CoCr denture

Initial Therapy I: SBI/API, oral health education, oral hygiene instructions, demonstration of plaque control, education on interdental cleaning and use of an electric toothbrush, whole mouth supragingival debridement

Periodontal Assessment: SBI/API, assessment after 4 weeks to assess healing, 6 point chart, review oral hygiene

Initial Therapy II: SBI/API, quadrant-based subgingival debridement under LA, review oral hygiene

Re-evaluation: SBI/API, 6 point chart after 10-12 weeks to assess healing, review oral hygiene

Initial Therapy II: SBI/API, quadrant-based subgingival re-debridement under LA, review oral hygiene

Re-evaluation: SBI/API, 6 point chart after 10-12 weeks to assess healing, review oral hygiene

Supportive Periodontal Therapy: SBI/API, recall 3/12 to re-evaluate and re-debride as required, review oral hygiene

Subgingival Debridement:

Extraction:

Root canal treatment:

Restorative treatment:

Details:

Oral Hygiene Indices (API/SBI)

Changes in Plaque Control

Non-surgical Treatment Outcome (PPD/BOP)

Changes in Clinical Parameters (%)

Clinical Photographs – Initial Visit

Image 1 Anterior view of Maxilla and Mandible with teeth in contact

Image 2 Occlusal view of Maxilla

Image 3 Occlusal view of Mandible

Clinical Photographs – Initial Visit

Maxilla and Mandible with teeth in contact (occlusion)

Image 4 Lateral right view

Image 5 Lateral left view

Clinical Photographs – Re-evaluation Visit

Image 1 Anterior view of Maxilla and Mandible with teeth in contact

Image 2 Occlusal view of Maxilla

Image 3 Occlusal view of Mandible

Clinical Photographs – Re-evaluation Visit

Maxilla and Mandible with teeth in contact (occlusion)

Image 4 Lateral right view

Image 5 Lateral left view

Periodontal Risk Assessment

Discussion

Diagnosis

According to the 2017 AAP and EFP classification, EF is diagnosed as localized stage IV grade C chronic periodontitis(1). This diagnosis can be attributed to tooth 14 with 6mm PPD, 7mm CAL, ~40-45% bone loss associated with tooth 33, and at least 5 teeth were lost due to periodontal disease. EF displays secondary occlusal trauma associated with tooth 22, only 11 teeth remaining, and only 1 remaining opposing pair of teeth (22 occluding with 33). EF does not have % bone loss/age indicator greater than 1.0, but she demonstrates HbA1c more than 7.0%.

Prognosis

The primary risk factors for EF include poor oral hygiene and plaque control, a high sugar diet, lack of exercise, and obesity resulting in a high caries risk, and a medical history highlighted by poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. At her initial appointment, EF noted that she only brushed her teeth in the morning and sometimes at night with a firm manual toothbrush and Colgate toothpaste, and never flossed. Although her lunch and dinner are healthier, her breakfast consists of 4 pieces of toast in the morning with butter and jam, and she consumes 2 cups of tea and 1 cup of coffee all with 1 teaspoon of sugar daily. Exercise mainly consists of doing housework and looking after the grandchildren. At present EF weighs 93kg and is 174cm in height. EF previously weighed as much as 112kg in March 2015. In completing an odontogram for EF, she presented with several ICDAS 5 (frank cavitation) lesions found on the root surface that were also visible on the OPG. As previously mentioned, EF has a medical history consisting of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. In September 2019 her HbA1c reading was 7.3%, which represents an improvement compared to December 2018 where it was 8.6%. However, EF’s reading still represents a value greater than 7.0% which is a recommended general target for patients requiring insulin medication(2). EF reports a family history of diabetes and periodontal disease whereby both parents required F/F dentures following the extraction of all their teeth. On the basis of this information, the prognosis for the remainder of EF’s dentition was questionable to good at best.

Customized Treatment Plan

In order to improve the prognosis of EF’s dentition, a treatment plan was devised consisting of periodontal screening with PSR and patient education. This was followed by initial therapy I with prophylaxis and oral hygiene instruction. Following this, periodontal assessment, initial therapy II with subgingival root debridement, and reevaluation were commenced. The primary goal of the treatment plan for EF was to educate her on the holistic role of each risk factor and their contribution to her periodontal disease.  This included the roles of excellent oral hygiene, improved diet, increasing exercise, in combination with periodontal treatment in order to successfully treat her periodontal disease. EF initially presented with poor oral hygiene as outlined by her high % API scores. The presence of approximal plaque and residual food debris was shown to EF. It was explained to EF that her periodontal disease in particular could be attributed to her lack of oral hygiene and high caries risk, but also her family history of periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes, and most importantly, the bidirectional relationship between type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease, which she displayed (3). EF was asked to demonstrate her normal brushing, which required improvement. A customized plan was devised for EF whereby she was recommended to switch to an Oral B electric toothbrush, a 5000ppm fluoride Colgate toothpaste, and use of green and black Pixster interdental brushes for her maxillary and mandibular teeth, respecitively. To address EF’s diet, she was encouraged to decrease the amount of sugar in her breakfast, and also, the amount of sugar in her tea and coffee. EF was also encouraged to exercise at least 30 minutes per day by taking her grandchildren to the park and engaging with them to elevate her heart rate and promote progressive weight loss.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

EF was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1995. In March 2015, EF’s HbA1c was as high as 10.5%, but this has gradually decreased to 7.3% in May 2019 and remains the same in September 2019 at 7.3%. EF has been informed about the association between type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease, especially that periodontitis is significantly associated with poor glycemic control as measured by HbA1c (4). She has also been informed that those with periodontitis are at a greater risk of developing prediabetes and diabetes, and furthermore, the risk of developing diabetic complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, and adverse cardiovascular effects(5). There are several potential mechanisms associated with the relationship between type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease, and they include an altered periodontal microbiome and elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators within gingival tissues of diabetics(5). To date, there is no evidence to suggest the positive impact of long-term periodontal treatment in type 2 diabetes, but short-term human intervention studies have demonstrated that periodontal treatment alone is effective in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes with a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c that is comparable to the addition of a second diabetic medication (5).

Secondary Occlusal Trauma and Periodontal Disease

In total, EF has lost 19 teeth associated with various causes. She reports that some teeth were loose and sore, whereas others were carious. At present, EF is missing her P/- CoCr denture, but still retains her -/P CoCr denture that fits well. However, EF has only 1 opposing pair of teeth remaining (22 occludes with 33), which has resulted in secondary occlusal trauma to 22. It is imperative to prevent further occlusal trauma as it has previously been shown that its progression in severity is positively correlated with the severity of attachment loss(7). In consulting with a prosthodontist, it has been suggested that 22 should not be splinted as it could potentially increase mobility in adjacent abutment teeth. It has been recommended to EF that 22 should be extracted and that an immediate P/- acrylic denture be constructed to allow EF to use both dentures during the day and at night to prevent further secondary occlusal trauma. In contrast to this, in consultation with a periodontist, it has been suggested that 22 should be retained and that a P/- acrylic or CoCr denture be constructed either with or without a retainer on 22 (due to esthetic concerns) to allow EF to use both dentures only during the day to prevent further secondary occlusal trauma, but also allowing her to maintain excellent denture hygiene. EF has decided to pursue the more conservative approach and allow for continual monitoring of 22.

Re-evaluation

In order to improve short- and long-term outcomes of periodontal disease, it is imperative that the patient is motivated and continuously maintains adequate oral hygiene. At every appointment, customized oral hygiene instructions were provided to EF with regards to technique associated with use of an electric toothbrush and interdental brushes in order to properly clean all surfaces of the teeth. EF has consistently maintained excellent SBI scores, and she has gradually improved her API scores. This demonstrates her motivation to improve the outcome of her periodontal disease, and she has mentioned that her grandchildren have also become more motivated to brush their teeth in the morning and in the evening as they have witnessed her doing it on a regular basis. In addition to the patient’s role in maintaining their oral hygiene, the role of non-surgical periodontal therapy in the treatment of periodontal disease cannot be overstated, and together, it is responsible for the reduction in PPD and gain in CAL (8). Following initial therapy II and the first round of non-surgical periodontal therapy, EF displayed reduced gingival erythema and reduced bleeding on probing during the periodontal reassessment. Furthermore, EF displayed elimination of all pockets with PPD greater than or equal to 6mm, a reduction in pockets with PPD between 4-5mm, and an improvement in pockets with PPD less than or equal to 3mm. Because EF does not require surgical periodontal therapy, it is critical to continue non-surgical periodontal therapy for EF in order to reassess for further improvement in PPD reduction and CAL gain given her motivation to improve her oral health and her overall health. Despite the initial questionable prognosis given EF’s specific risk factors, her overall prognosis is actually good provided she can maintain the customized treatment plan that has been devised for her.

Supportive Periodontal Therapy

Successful long-term control of EF’s periodontal disease is not only dependent on supportive periodontal therapy, maintenance of excellent oral hygiene, but also continued improvement in her overall health as managed by her GP. It has been previously shown that supportive periodontal therapy is critical in long-term sucscess as demonstrated by stable clinical attachment levels in comparison to patients who are not maintained in a supervised program who demonstrate a return to active periodontal disease (9). According to the 2003 Lang and Tonetti periodontal risk assessment, EF is still considered high risk for periodontal disease due to her extensive tooth loss and her systemic diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (10). This risk outcome requires a 3 month interval recall and it is critical that she is continued to be seen following her second round of non-surgical therapy and reassessment.

References

1. Papapanou PN, Sanz M, Buduneli N, Dietrich T, Feres M, Fine DH, Flemmig TF, Garcia R, Giannobile WV,  Graziani F, Greenwell H, Herrera D, Kao RT, Kebschull M, Kinane DF, Kirkwood KL, Kocher T, Kornman KS, Kumar PS, Loos BG, Machtei E, Meng HX, Mombelli A, Needleman I, Offenbacher S, Seymour GJ, Teles R, Tonetti MS. Periodontitis: Consensus report of workgroup 2 of the 2017 world workshop on the classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. Journal of Periodontology. 2018;89(Suppl 1):S173-S182.
2. American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes – 2014. American Diabetes Association. 2014;37(Suppl 1):S14-S80.
3. Mealey BL. Periodontal disease and diabetes: A two-way street. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2006;137(Suppl 10):26S-31S.
4. Graziani P, Gennal S, Solini A, Petrini M. A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic observational evidence on the effect of periodontal disease on diabetes: An update on the review of the EFP-AAP workshop. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2018;45:167-187.
5. Polak D, Shapira L. An update on the evidence for pathogenic mechanisms that may link periodontitis and diabetes. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2018;45:150-166.
6. Madiano PN, Koromantzos PA. An update of the evidence on the potential impact of periodontal therapy on diabetes outcomes. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2018;45:188-195.
7. Braschofsky M, Beikler T, Schafer R, Flemmig TF, Lang H. Secondary trauma from occlusion and periodontitis. Quintessence International. 2011;42:515-522.
8. Heitz-Mayfield LJA, Trombelli L, Heitz F, Needleman I, Moles D. A systematic review of the effect of surgical debridement vs. Non-surgical debridement for the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2002;29(Suppl 3):92-102.
9. Axelsson P, Nystrom B, Lindhe J. The long-term effect of a plaque control program on tooth mortality, caries and periodontal disease in adults: Results after 30 years of maintenance. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2004;31:749-757.
10. Lang NP, Tonetti MS. Periodontal risk assessment (PRA) for patients in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). Oral Health and Preventative Dentistry. 2003;1:7-16.