Periodontics

The Periodontal department provides diagnosis, prevention and treatment of simple to severe periodontal (gum) disease .

Clinical criteria:

• localised/generalised pocket of depth of > 5mm
• attachment loss of > 5mm
• furcation involvement
  • any dramatic changes in gingival contour and texture or pocket depth
  • excessive bleeding gums (e.g. blood on pillow) and presence of attachment loss (pockets)
• multiple/isolated periodontal abscess formation
• drifting or mobile permanent teeth
• recession defects where there is an increase in recession or a major aesthetic problem noted over professional review of 6 months
• a family history of severe or very early periodontal disease, including Aggressive Periodontitis and patient displays attachment loss on several teeth of 5mm or more
• medically compromised patients e.g. following transplant, with diabetes, etc. and patient displays attachment loss of more than 5mm

AND the following mandatory criteria for all patients:

• demonstrated ability to maintain oral hygiene with a plaque score < 15% (shown in a minimum of 2 O'Leary plaque index scores)

Exclusions:

• Plaque index >15%. Patients who cannot maintain a high standard of plaque control will not progress beyond initial phase therapy

Prerequisite for referral:

• management of general dental care
• a detailed periodontal chart
• completion of the RDHM Periodontics Referral Form
• a current OPG