Challenge: A new patient, 59-year-old male, presents to our office with no specific concerns. However, a previous provider recommended a “deep cleaning.” This “deep cleaning” treatment was never completed. Patient has 4 fully erupted wisdom teeth that are difficult to access for daily cleaning.
Background:
- Age 59
- Sex: Male
- Medical History: High Blood Pressure but is taking medication
- Last Dental Exam: 2019
- Home Care: Manual toothbrush 2x daily, baking soda with peroxide, floss occasionally
- Chief Complaint: None
- Clinical assessment: Severe gingival inflammation, moderate plaque with heavy calculus sub/supragingival. Moderate to severe bone loss is evident on radiographs
- Periodontal Assessment: 2-9mm pocketing, Class I furcations noted, localized bone loss 15-33%
Solution:
- Initial MyPerioPath® test taken 6/3/21
- 6/4/21: Right side upper & lower scaling & root planing performed with left side irrigation
- 6/8/21: Left side upper & lower scaling & root planning performed with right side irrigation
- 6/15/22: Full mouth irrigation, review of results and prescription for Metronidazole and Amoxicillin
- 10/7/22: Patient cancelled 3-month re-evaluation
- 12/16/22: Patient appointed for overdue 3-month re-evaluation – periodontal maintenance, periodontal charting, follow up MyPerioPath® test
- 5/2022: Patient presents for periodontal maintenance, exam, and radiographs
Additional Comments: Patient did finish the prescribed antibiotics however he has not been compliant with flossing or his re-care visits. He stated he thought the Waterpik™ could replace flossing.
Results: At 6 months after completion of the initial scaling & root planing appointments the patient showed improvement in pocket depths and tissue appearance. MyPerioPath® comparison also showed a dramatic reduction in the bacterial load. At his visit a year later, the tissue continues to show health except for around the wisdom teeth. It has been recommended to extract tooth #1 due to decay. We will continue to encourage consistent hygiene appointments, improved home care and bacterial monitoring to help ensure long term remission of the periodontal disease.
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Dr Gonzales prides herself in her practice philosophy around aesthetics and function which can provide her patients
She is originally from a small town in Southern California and completed her undergraduate education at University of California, Berkeley. Later she graduated with high honors from University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
After ten years in San Francisco, Dr Gonzales moved to Albuquerque to practice with her uncle Dr. Charles Gallagher. “It was an opportunity I could not pass up. Academy Dental Care is an outstanding dental office, as you will soon find out!”
The team is composed of wonderful and highly skilled members who love spending time with each other outside of the office such as continuing education courses, host team potlucks, and charity events. The office is unlike any other; they are a team of all-stars!
When Dr Gonzales is not in the office, she can be found on her Pelaton exercise bike! She also likes skiing, tennis, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
- Neglected Active Periodontal Disease - August 19, 2022
- Interview with Dr. Chelsea Gonzales - December 24, 2021
- Interview with Chelsea Gonzales, DDS - February 1, 2019