REFERRING DOCTORS

• Referral Form
• Links of Interest
• PERIOFAX
  • Past PERIOFAX Questions
  • Current PERIOFAX Question
• Greater Lafayette Study Club
  • Background
  • Format
  • Officers

Past Periofax Questions

QUESTION:

A connective tissue graft can be used to cover gingival recession, decrease sensitivity and improve aesthetics.  Where is the most common place to obtain the connective tissue used for the graft?

ANSWER:

The palate is the most common place to obtain connective tissue grafts.  A small incision is made in the palate and tissue is removed, according to the amount needed for the recession area.  Sutures may or may not be needed in this area.

QUESTON:

There are several medications that can cause the gingiva to enlarge.  Car you name one of them?

ANSWER:

Drug induced gingival enlargement is a well known phenomenon.  Phenytoin (Delantin) is well known to cause this reaction.  Immunosuppressants such as Cyclosporine and calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure such as Nifedipine and Verapamil also cause gingival enlargement.

If you have a patient with enlarged gingiva, be sure to check the medication list and possibly contact the prescribing physician to see if there is another medication the patient may take that will not cause this problem.  Sometimes the enlargement will resolve after the medication is discontinued, most times the tissue will need a gingivoplasty for it to return to a normal contour.  If the patient must stay on the medication, a gingivoplasty may still be performed, but there is a chance for recurrence.

QUESTION:

What distinguishes Periodontitis from Gingivitis?

ANSWER:

Both are inflammatory diseases of the periodontal tissue.  Periodontitis is characterized by a loss of clinical attachment due to destruction of the periodontal ligament and supporting bone structure.  There is no loss of attachment with gingivitis and it is reversible.

QUESTION:

What is the active ingredient in Arestin?

ANSWER:

Arestin is a localized antibiotic designed to treat localized periodontal disease by inserting it into the gingival crevice.  The active ingredient is minocycline hydrochloride, a form of tetracycline.

QUESTION:

After a patient has scaling and root planing, when is the appropriate time to re-evaluate?

ANSWER:

Four to six weeks after the last scaling and root planing.

QUESTION:

In general, how many furcations are there on maxillary molars?

ANSWER:

Three - buccal, mesial and distal.