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DPR Surveys Exclusive

Evolving involvement

GPs continue to increase their involvement in endodontics and periodontics. Tremendous changes have taken place in these disciplines, and experts expect more of the same.

By Stan Goff
 
General dentists and patients alike are well aware of the perio-systemic link and the importance of oral health ties to overall health. Seventy-five percent of respondents to DPR’s exclusive December 2006 Periodontics Survey reported increased awareness among patients during the past three years, and 66% noticed an increase in the number of patient questions
 
Scaffolding in a cleaned and shaped canal is one component of the regernative endodontic protocol.
about the link between periodontal disease and general health issues such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and others (see In the know on perio).

Dr. Kenneth A. Krebs, immediate past president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), observed, “The growing body of research related to the periodontal-systemic link and its potential impact on patient care is probably the hottest topic in periodontics.”

Also on the radar — of both GPs and patients ­— is the field of endodontics, primarily how technique and material advances can provide quicker, more predictable results. DPR’s exclusive December 2006 Endodontics Survey indicates that four in 10 GPs report an increase in their caseload during the past three years (see “On the up and up,” right).

This article reviews the results of these two questionnaires and takes a look at some of the latest products and research in these two disciplines.


Periodontics

As with endodontics and orthodontics, general dentists typically refer the more complex periodontal cases, particularly those involving a surgical component, to a specialist. But GPs are offering a wide range of basic periodontal services. According to the survey, the majority (66%) now use localized, targeted antimicrobial therapies such as PerioChip, Arestin, and Atridox. A similar number use subgingival irrigation (68%) and almost all provide manual scaling/planing/debridement (98%) in their practices.

As we went to press, yet another news release came out involving research linking oral health and overall health. Also mentioned in the news release was information on OralLongevity, a new program that GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, the ADA, and the ADA Foundation recently partnered to introduce. The program will provide older adults, their families and caregivers, and dental professionals with the education and other free resources necessary to increase their awareness of the need for better oral health. Consumers can download the free educational DVD and brochure at

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