Online Lecture Series – Beyond “Clean & Jerk” –  Advanced Management of Periodontal Disease (Recorded April/May 2021)

ONLINE LECTURE SERIES CONTENT

The aim of this webinar series is to provide experienced small animal practitioners with an in-depth and comprehensive review of all clinically relevant aspects of advanced periodontal treatment – from the relevant science, through available diagnostic techniques, to the diagnosis and management of specific conditions. The material will be covered in 4 modules, each lasting about 3 hours and consisting of 1 or 2 interactive topic-based webinars with accompanying case discussions to illustrate the practical applications of the material presented in the webinars. This will be a highly interactive webinar series with plenty of opportunities for attendees to ask questions and interact with Dr. Heidi Lobprise, who is a board-certified dental diplomate.

Session 1 – The Foundations – Pathogenesis & Evaluation of Periodontal Disease

Lecture 1 – Pathogenesis & Impact of Periodontal Disease

The development of periodontal disease can vary from patient to patient and even amongst different teeth in the same mouth. Biofilm dynamics play an important role in the progression of disease, as does host response. The impact of periodontal disease on systemic health as a chronic inflammatory response underscores the need for treatment and prevention.

Lecture 2 – Clinical Examination & Evaluation of the Periodontal Patient

Full evaluation of periodontal disease involves assessing the periodontal tissues, their level of attachment and even degree of inflammation. Beyond just probing pockets and radiographing for bone loss, the level of attachment relative to the root structure, the integrity of the attached gingiva and patterns of bone loss all contribute to management decisions. Each tooth can be considered its own ‘patient’ and can have varying degrees of disease at different points around the tooth.

Session 2 – Phase 1: Periodontal Therapy – Conservative Options

Lecture 3 – Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy – Equipment & Techniques In human dentistry, Phase 1 SRP (scaling, root planning) is performed prior to any specific periodontal treatment to allow for tissue healing. In veterinary dentistry, we often have to proceed with at least non-surgical levels of periodontal therapy, from closed root planning to perioceutic placement. Management of mild gingival enlargement can also play a part.

Lecture 4 – Targeted Extractions

With full evaluation of each tooth, a decision of extract or salvage must sometimes be made. While periodontal assessment plays a major role in such decisions, the strategic importance of the tooth, overall health of the patient and even clients’ abilities to provide additional care must all be considered. We will review certain cases and discuss the need for extractions, sometimes to help salvage adjacent teeth.

Session 3 – Phase 2: Periodontal Therapy – Surgical Considerations

Lecture 5 - Implementing Periodontal Therapy Techniques with Adjacent Extractions

When extractions have been selected, access to adjacent teeth is often enhanced. Appropriate management of the periodontal tissues of the remaining teeth, as well as access for open root planning is as important as removing the diseased tooth or teeth.

Lecture 6 – Appropriate Soft Tissue Management & Case-Discussions Discussion of periodontal and soft tissue management is continued from the previous topic to include already edentulous areas or regions where gingival tissues are to be preserved at optimal health.

Session 4 – Advanced Periodontal Therapies

Lecture 7 – Guided Tissue Regeneration – Treatment Concepts & Case-Discussions

Basic descriptions of periodontal disease are based on irreversible tissue loss. In certain circumstances, periodontal therapy can be performed that can help selectively regenerate some of the lost tissue, most notably bone. Specific criteria must be met, though instrumentation remains fairly basic.

Lecture 8 – Special Presentations of Periodontal and Oral Disease & Their Management (CUPS, FCGS, chronic osteitis – Case-Discussions

Not all patients have the same progression of periodontal disease. In fact, it is often an inappropriate host response that contributes to these ‘special presentations’ of periodontal disease. Standard methods of cleaning and extraction are often not sufficient to deal completely with these issues that can have long term management challenges.