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2 Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy

Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy

Case 1: Hand and Automated Instrumentation

Helen Livson, DMD, MMSc

Case 2: Local Drug Delivery

Emilio I. Arguello, DDS, MSc

Case 3: Systemic Antibiotics

Ricardo Teles, DDS, DMSc

Case 1Hand and Automated Instrumentation

CASE STORY

A 25-year-old Caucasian male presented with a chief compliant of: “I need a cleaning.” The patient had noticed significant staining a
calculus buildup, particularly in the mandibular anterior region (Figures 1, 2, and 3).

Figure 1: Frontal view.

Figure 2: Buccal view, mandibular anterior.

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Figure 3: Lingual view, mandibular anterior.

LEARNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

To identify appropriate instruments that may be used for scaling and/or scaling and root planing
To learn the importance of Initial phase, reevaluation, and maintenance therapy
To learn the advantages and disadvantages of hand versus power instrumentation
To understand the limitations of these instruments in the nonsurgical management of periodontal disease

Medical History

The patient reported a history of asthma and used an albuterol inhaler once per day. Otherwise, there were no significant medical problem
no known allergies.

Review of Systems

Vital signs
Blood pressure: 120/65 mm Hg
Pulse rate: 72 beats/minute (regular)
Respiration: 15 breaths/minute

Social History

The patient did not drink alcohol. He reported smoking one time per week.

Extraoral Examination

No significant findings. The patient had no masses or swelling and the temporomandibular joint was within normal limits.

Intraoral Examination

The soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, appeared normal.
A gingival examination revealed a localized marginal erythema, with rolled margins and some inflamed papillae (Figures 1, 2, and 3).
Periodontal examination and charting were completed (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Probing pocket depth measurements

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Occlusion

There were no occlusal discrepancies or interferences.

Radiographic Examination

Bite-wing radiographs were ordered given that the patient was young, and there was no history of caries (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Bite-wing radiographs

Diagnosis

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After reviewing the patient’s history as well as the clinical and radiographic examination, a differential diagnosis of generalized moderate g

Treatment Plan

The treatment plan for this patient includes oral hygiene instructions, followed by scaling and polishing using hand instruments as well a
instruments.

Treatment

After thorough oral hygiene instructions were reviewed, the patient received a scaling and polishing. The procedure was started with
mechanical instrument to loosen any tenacious supragingival deposits and initial stain removal. Hand scalers were then used, includ
removal of supragingival calculus and stain in the mandibular anterior areas, Gracey curettes were used in the interproximal areas pos
curettes were used for the buccal and lingual aspects of the teeth. The ultrasonic was then used again for a final lavage, and the teeth w
any additional stain elimination using prophylaxis paste and a rubber cup (Figures 6, 7, and 8).

Figure 6: Frontal view.

Figure 7: Buccal view, mandibular anterior.

Figure 8: Lingual view, mandibular anterior.

Discussion

The patient presented with heavy supragingival plaque and calculus, gingival inflammation and generalized bleeding on probing with no
around the teeth. After a detailed medical history was completed, a diagnosis of plaque-induced gingivitis was given. To restore the patien
comprehensive oral hygiene instructions were provided, and a professional scaling was arranged.

A combination of hand instruments and power-driven instruments were used for removal of plaque, calculus, and stain from the teeth.
available in various lengths, shapes, and designs to effectively reach and treat all areas of the teeth. An ultrasonic instrument (Cavitron) w
for stain removal, mechanical debridement, lavage, and cavitation. Regularly scheduled reevaluations and prophylaxis in addition to r
recommended for maintaining optimal oral hygiene and periodontal health in this patient.

Self-Study Questions

A. What are the chief tools available in our armamentarium for scaling and root planing?

B. What are some examples of hand instruments?

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C. What is the mechanism of action of powered mechanical instruments?

D. What are the limitations to prophylaxis and scaling and root planing?

E. Are there any contraindications to using power mechanical instruments?

F. Are there differences in efficacy of treatment between hand scalers and automated scalers?

G. What are some advantages and disadvantages of hand instruments versus power mechanical instruments?

Answers located at the end of the chapter.

References

1. Ewen SJ, Glickstein BA. Ultrasonic Therapy in Periodontics. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 1968. pp.12–34.

2. Clarke PR, Hill CR. Physical and chemical aspects of ultrasonic disruption of cells. J Acoust Soc Am 1970;47:649–653.

3. Waerhaug J. Healing of the dento-epithelial junction following subgingival plaque control II: as observed on extracted teeth. J Periodont

4. Caffesse RG, Sweeney PL, et al. Scaling and root planing with and without periodontal flap surgery. J Clin Periodontol 1986;13:205–21

5. Lindhe J, Socransky S, et al. Critical probing depths in periodontal therapy. J Clin Periodontol 1982;9:323–336.

6. Philstrom BL, McHugh RB, et al. Comparison of surgical and nonsurgical treatment of periodontal disease. A review of current studies
after 6½ years. J Clin Periodontol 1983;10:524–541.

7. Isidor F, Karring T. Long-term effect of surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment. A 5-year clinical study. J Periodontal Res 1986;2

8. Gantes BG, Nilveus R. The effects of different hygiene instruments on titanium surfaces: SEM observations. Int J Periodontics Restorat
239.

9. Miller CS, Leonelli FM, et al. Selective interference with pacemaker activity by electrical dental devices. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pat
1998;85:33–36.

10. Breininger D, O’Leary T, et al. Comparative effectiveness of ultrasonic and hand scaling on removal of subgingival plaque and c
1987;58:9–18.

11. Thornton S, Garnick J. Comparison of ultrasonic to hand instruments in the removal of subgingival plaque. J Periodontol 1982;53:35–3

12. Baeni P, Thilo B, et al. Effects of ultrasonic and sonic scalers on dental plaque microflora in vitro and in vivo. J Clin Periodontol 1992;1

13. Nishimine D, O’Leary TJ. Hand instrumentation versus ultrasonics in the removal of endotoxins from root surface. J Periodontol 1979;5

14. Hunter R, P’Leary T, et al. The effectiveness of hand versus instrumentation in open-flap root planing. J Periodontol 1984;55:697–703

15. Matia J, Bissada N, et al. Efficiency of scaling the molar furcation area with and without surgical access. Int J Periodontics Restorative

16. Gellin R. The effectiveness of the Titan-S sonic scaler versus curettes in the removal of subgingival calculus. A human eva
1986;57:672–680.

17. Bower RC. Furcation morphology relative to periodontal treatment – furcation entrance architecture. J Periodontol 1979;50:23–27.

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18. Dragoo M. A clinical evaluation of hand and ultrasonic instruments on subgingival debridement. Part I. With unmodified and modified
Periodontics Restorative Dent 1992;12:311–313.

19. Leon L, Vogel R. A comparison of the effectiveness of hand scaling and ultrasonic debridement in furcations as evaluated with da
Periodontol 1987;58:86–94.

20. Ritz L, Hefti A, et al. An in vitro investigation on the loss of root substance in scaling with various instruments. J Clin Periodontol 1991;

21. Larato DC, Ruskin PF, et al. Effect of an ultrasonic scaler on bacterial counts in air. J Periodontol 1967;38:550–554.

TAKE-HOME POINTS

The most fundamental objective of primary phase nonsurgical therapy is to reestablish periodontal health in a patient by reduction o
pathogens from the periodontium. Literature has shown that instrumentation can effectively decrease these periodontal pathogens a
bacterial flora in the mouth.

A. In our armamentarium the chief tools available for scaling and root planing include:

a. Manual mechanical instrumentation: scalers and curettes

b. Powered mechanical instrumentation: ultrasonics (magnetostrictive, piezoelectric)

c. Air abrasives/rubber cups (for stain removal)

B. Manual instrumentation is an essential skill that dental practitioners need to obtain good results from initial nonsurgical therapy. Th
understanding of the available tools:

Scalers are designed for removal of supragingival calculus. They include two straight cutting edges and a pointed toe (e.g., sickle scale
Curettes are designed for subgingival instrumentation but can be used for supragingival scaling as well.
i. Universal curettes have two cutting edges (Figure 9C)

ii. Area-specific curettes have only one cutting edge (i.e., Gracey curettes; Figures 9D and E)

Figure 9: (A,B) Sickle scalers; (C) universal curettes; (D,E) Gracey curettes; (F) magnetorestrictive ultrasonic scalers; (G) piezoelectric ult

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C. Powered mechanical instruments such as sonic and ultrasonic scalers have been used by practitioners to remove plaque, calculus, an
root surfaces. These automated scalers work by way of vibration; as the tip oscillates, it helps break apart adherent deposits that may be
The tip also sprays a jet of water that flushes away any debris and helps dissipate heat produced by the instrument. Additionally, when
the vibrations of the oscillating tip of an ultrasonic instrument, cavitation is observed. Cavitation is a process by which formation and d
cavities releases energy that may disrupt bacterial cell membranes [1,2].

Powered mechanical instruments are classified based on their frequencies, and are very effective for nonsurgical debridement of teeth:

Sonic scalers operate at a frequency of 3000–8000 cycles per second and are driven by compressed air from the dental unit. A rotor sy
and the sonic tip oscillates in an elliptical to circular pattern.
Ultrasonic scalers can be further classified into:
i. Magnetorestrictive ultrasonic scalers: Operate inaudibly, and the tip oscillates at 18,000–42,000 kHz (cycles per second). The motion
circular in motion, and all surfaces of the tip are useful in debridement (Figure 9F).

ii. Piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers: Operate inaudibly, and the tip oscillates at 24,000–45,000 kHz (cycles per second). The motion of th
the magnetorestrictive ultrasonics, only its lateral surfaces are useful in debridement (Figure 9G)

D. Although hand and power instruments are effective in treating periodontal and gingival disease as a part of the initial phase of the
limitations. The literature has shown that even with all currently available instrumentation, there is a certain pocket depth up to wh
eliminate subgingival plaque and calculus [3]. Caffesse and associates found that the extent of residual calculus is directly related to po
depth increased, the percentage of the tooth surfaces completely free of calculus gradually decreased [4]. This probing depth, referred to
depth,” is 2.9 mm for scaling and root planing. Any probing depth beyond 4.2 mm benefits from surgical periodontal therapy rather than
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due to the limits of the effectiveness of hand or powered instruments [5]. Nonsurgical treatments are usually attempted first; if appro
achieved at reevaluation, surgical treatment should be pursued. Whether nonsurgical or surgical periodontal treatment modalities are use
show that if treated appropriately and followed closely, patients with periodontal disease can be maintained in the long term [6,7].

E. Concerns that the practitioner should be aware of if using powered mechanical instruments are both dental and medical in nature.

Dental

Sonic and ultrasonic instruments should not be used on dental implants because the metal tips can scratch the softer titanium. Ideally, ha
made of plastic, teflon, wood, titanium, or gold-plated scalers should be used for cleaning dental implants [8]. If used too vigorously, t
damage certain restorative margins. As with manual instrumentation, these mechanical instruments may remove excessive tooth structur
hypersensitivity.

Medical

Cardiac pacemakers, particularly those placed before the mid-1980s, may get electromagnetic interference from magnetorestrictive ult
scalers are a safe alternative) [9]. Patients with significant respiratory problems may be intolerant to the aerosols produced during p
Powered mechanical instruments should be avoided in patients with infectious diseases that may be transmitted through aerosol productio

F. Several studies have looked at the efficacy of plaque and calculus removal using manual versus automated instrumentation. Studies h
both hand instrumentation and ultrasonic instrumentation are very effective in plaque removal [10]. There are no significant differences f
of manual instruments and ultrasonic instruments [11] or between sonic and ultrasonic instrumentation in terms of the ability to remove pla

Some studies have shown that manual instrumentation is more effective than ultrasonic instrumentation in calculus removal [13
instruments have been shown to access concavities and furcations of roots better than manual instruments [15]. According to Gellin,
concurrently is more effective than using either method alone [16].

G. See Table 1.

Table 1: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Hand Instruments versus Power Mechanical Instruments

Advantages Disadvantages
* Larger tip than furcation width [17]
* Not as damaging to porcelain and composite restorations

* Fatigue [18]
Hand instruments * More effective at removing endotoxin from periodontally
involved root surfaces [13]
* Longer scaling times [18]

* Lavage effect of irrigation

* Cavitation [1,2]

* Slightly shorter scaling times [18]


* May be contraindicated for patients with older ca

Power mechanical * Less skill required to be competent [18]


* Production of aerosols (30-fold increase of airbo
instruments
the treatment room) [21]
* More effective in class II and III furcations [19]

* Less removal of tooth structure [20]

* Require no sharpening

Case 2Local Drug Delivery

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CASE STORY

A 35-year-old Caucasian male presented with a chief compliant of: “My dentist told me I have gum disease.” The patient had not experie
or swelling associated with his gums; however, he had noticed slight bleeding whenever he brushes and flosses. The patient claimed to b
once daily and he flossed once a week (Figures 1, 2, and 3).

Figure 1: Preoperative view of maxillary anterior teeth and a15-mm periodontal probe demonstrating a 5-mm probing on mesial of toot
probing.

Figure 2: Preoperative periapical radiograph of tooth #8 demonstrating localized mild vertical bone loss.

Figure 3: Preoperative view of maxillary posterior teeth and a15-mm periodontal probe demonstrating a 4-mm probing on the distal of toot
probing.

LEARNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

To be able to diagnose periodontitis


To identify the possible etiological and contributing factors and to address them
To be able to elaborate an initial treatment plan with a comprehensive phase 1 therapy to achieve initial periodontal stability
To be able to identify the different local chemotherapeutic agents and how, when, and why to use them

Medical History

There were no significant medical problems and the patient had no known allergies. He had no known medical illnesses. On questioning
was not taking any medications and he had no allergies.

Review of Systems

Vital signs
Blood pressure: 128/83 mm Hg

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Pulse rate: 69 beats/minute (regular)


Respiration: 16 breaths/minute

Social History

The patient did not smoke and drank alcohol twice a month in social gatherings.

Extraoral Examination

There were no significant findings. The patient had no masses or swelling, and the temporomandibular joint was within normal limits.

Intraoral Examination

The soft tissues of the mouth (except gingiva) including the tongue appeared normal.
A gingival examination revealed a mild marginal erythema and swollen papillae (Figures 1 and 3).
The patient exhibited localized areas with bleeding on probing as well as localized areas with probing depths of 4 and 5 mm (Figures 1
A periodontal chart was completed. Note that the clinical attachment levels (CALs) are not displayed because all gingival margins
cementoenamel junction, thus the CAL equals probing depth (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Probing pocket depth measurements.

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Occlusion

There were no occlusal discrepancies or interferences.

Radiographic Examination

A full-mouth set of radiographs was ordered; there were localized areas of mild vertical bone loss on the mesial and distal surfaces of toot

Diagnosis

After reviewing the history and the clinical and radiographic examinations, the periodontal diagnosis was localized chronic mild period
Dental Association diagnosis is type II.

Treatment Plan

The treatment plan consisted of addressing the primary etiology that causes the periodontal disease for this patient (phase 1) in the follow
instruction, subgingival scaling and root planing of all sites with initial probing depths >3 mm, and supragingival scaling and polishing
concomitant administration of a local antibiotic immediately after scaling (Figures 5 and 6) and only for sites with probing depths >3 mm f
of 4- to 6-week reevaluation to assess the need for further periodontal therapy (phase 2).
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Figure 5: Application of local delivery Atridox on a 5-mm pocket mesial of tooth #8 immediately after scaling and root planing.

Figure 6: Application of local delivery Atridox on a 4-mm pocket distal of tooth #3 immediately after scaling and root planing.

Reevaluation of Post-Initial Treatment

At the 6-week reevaluation, the clinical parameters had improved, and certain probing depths that were initially >3 mm were reduced (Fig
further periodontal treatment is needed; only periodontal maintenance therapy every 3 months is required.

Figure 7: A 6-week postoperative image of maxillary anterior teeth demonstrating a 2-mm probing on mesial of tooth #8.

Figure 8: A 6-week postoperative image of maxillary posterior teeth demonstrating a 3-mm probing on distal of tooth #3.

Discussion

Elements that will lead to a successful outcome include an accurate diagnosis based on a thorough history and a periodontal exam
knowledge of the etiologic factors that lead to disease. Next, a variety of treatment choices must be selected with the understanding that t
to provide initial stability of the disease or condition – in this particular case, periodontitis. Once the initial stability has been achieved, eith
further treatment such as restorative procedures or have the patient on a 3-month periodontal maintenance protocol. However, initial ther
without the concomitant use of local chemotherapeutics may not achieve the optimal periodontal stability desired, and thus, it is the respo
clinician to identify what areas will need to proceed to the second phase of therapy that could involve periodontal surgery.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to Dr. Campo Elias Perez for his contribution to this chapter.

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Self-Study Questions

A. What is the rationale for using local antibiotics and other agents for the treatment of periodontal disease?

B. Which local drug delivery agents are available?

C. What type of patients will benefit from the use of a local antibiotic?

D. What is the existing research that justifies the use of local drug delivery?

E. What are the techniques and devices used to deliver local antibiotics?

F. What are the considerations for patients to observe after receiving the local antibiotic?

G. What are the determinants of success in local drug delivery therapy?

H. What does rescue therapy mean, and how can local antibiotics help patients with periodontal disease that recurs over time?

Answers located at the end of the chapter.

References

1. Haffajee AD, Arguello EI, et al. Controlling the plaque biofilm. Int Dent J 2003;53(Suppl 3):191–199.

2. Haffajee AD, Socransky SS. Introduction to microbial aspects of periodontal biofilm communities, development and treatment Period
12.

3. Hanes P, Purvis J. Local anti-infective therapy: pharmacological agents. A systematic review. Ann Periodontol 2003;8:79–98.

4. Golub LM, Goodson JM, et al. Tetracyclines inhibit tissue collagenases. J Periodontol 1985;56(Suppl):93–97.

5. Slot DE, Kranendonk AA, et al. The effect of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser in non-surgical periodontal therapy. J Periodontol 2009;80:1041–10

6. Sanz M, Teughels W; Group A of European Workshop on Periodontology. Innovations in non-surgical periodontal therapy: Consens
European Workshop on Periodontology. J Clin Periodontol 2008;35(8 Suppl):3–7.

7. Armitage GC. Development of a classification system for periodontal diseases and conditions. Ann Periodontol 1999;4:1–6.

8. Caffesse RG, Sweeney PL, et al. Scaling and root planing with and without periodontal flap surgery. J Clin Periodontol 1986;13:205–21

9. Cobb CM. Non-surgical pocket therapy: mechanical. Ann Periodontol 1996;1:443–490.

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