Problem
Write a short treatment plan.
• A patient has numerous periodontal sites that measure 6-8 mm probing depths with buccal furcation involvement. Mobility is slight. Gingival inflammation and bleeding is generalized. The patient is a smoker.
• Do you think that periodontal diseases will ever be treated exclusively with chemotherapeutics and not surgery?
Case Study
A 56-year-old female patient comes to the dental office with a chief complaint of "my teeth need work." She has hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She has not seen a dentist in over 10 years. After dental, gingival, and periodontal examinations, a treatment plan was finalized, which the patient accepted. The periodontal classification of this case is mild to moderate chronic periodontitis. After initial therapy, there are unresolved bleeding sites >5 mm.
• What should the first step be in the treatment plan?
• What should be done about referring the patient to a specialist?
• How do you assess if this patient has attachment loss? Explain.