Challenge: Patient with extremely limited history of dental care presents seeking dental wellness. Although patient is anxious, she is highly motivated to create a healthier dental foundation.
Background: A 33-year-old woman with history of acid reflux, seasonal allergies and anemia is seeking to better her dental care. The patient has limited recollection of any dental care in her life, even childhood. The patient’s home care consists of manual tooth brushing 1-2 times per day with the occasional flossing. Upon periodontal assessment, a diagnosis of AAP Case Type II with localized 1-2 mm of recession was noted. Bleeding on probing was categorized as moderate with localized heavy bleeding sites. The presence of subgingival plaque prohibited a full mouth probe recording prior to scaling and root planing. Patient is motivated to achieve better dental health to compliment her physically active lifestyle of running and hiking.
Solution: A pre-therapy MyPerioPath® was obtained 1/8/2019. When placing the order, the therapeutic threshold line removal option was selected. Two visits of periodontal therapy were applied (1/8/2019 and 1/31/2019) and consisted of scaling and root planing with ultrasonic scaler, handscaling, diamond files and laser assisted periodontal therapy. The systemic antibiotic option was considered but not administered. Oral hygiene instruction was provided at both visits and included the Tell-Show-Do learning approach to review C-shape flossing technique, modified Bass brushing technique for generalized areas, and the Stillman technique for areas of recession.
On 4/4/2019, a post-therapy MyPerioPath® was obtained and additional therapy of laser bacterial reduction was applied. Oral home care evaluation revealed patient is currently flossing every day and is utilizing an electric toothbrush 2 times per day.
Resolution: It was rewarding the see the patient come in for the second half of her gingival therapy, as she was very motivated to maintain her overall oral health. She continues to be diligent in her efforts to make it to her dental visits. Scaling with the ultrasonic system went very well and the patient did not experience any sensitivity in the areas of recession. This patient’s case study was very rewarding. These pre- and post-treatment lab reports allowed me to better assess and evaluate the treatment we provided during the patient’s gum therapy in January 2019.
During the patient’s definitive therapy visit in April, it was rewarding to see that the patient had gained some clinical attachment with a decrease in her probing depths of 5 mm to 4 mm as well as a decrease in areas of bleeding on probing. She is very motivated and has made a strong attempt to implement routine oral care.
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He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine, then attended the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry from 1996-2000.
Dr. Davey has been designated as a Fellow for the Academy of Oral Systemic Health. He was also recognized as a Top 10 General Dentist in San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll (2019). Previously, he was awarded the 2014 Doctor of the Year for Next Level Practice Complete Health Dentistry, also earning a leadership award.
Today, Dr. Davey’s mission is to enhance people’s lives through health, wellness, and fun. He is committed to making a difference in the health of the San Diego community by getting 20,000 people healthier before 2020.
He believes the mouth is connected to the body, the body is connected to the family, and the family is connected to the health of a community. With that knowledge, his mission is bringing together the medical and dental community to collaborate for the greater good of San Diego and his patients.
In addition, he is the founder and creator of the San Diego Academy of Systemic Health (SDASH). In 2018, he won an award as a leader of complete health for creating SDASH and for working toward his 2020 goal of making San Diego America’s healthiest city.
Dr. Davey says, “I invite you to join my practice and become part of our patient family. I look forward to providing you with beautiful, healthy smiles now and for years to come.”
- Traditional Periodontal Disease Case Study - September 20, 2019