Saving Patient’s Time and Money: An Interview with Lori Appehans

Posted on October 6, 2017May 19, 2021 by Lori Appelhans, RDH

In many, if not most dental offices, the dental hygienists are the engine that makes the practice go. Clinicians like Lori Appehans are providing optimal treatment by choosing to utilize salivary diagnostic technology. It is my sincere hope that her patients understand how well they are being taken care of. It was certainly my pleasure to discuss the impact of salivary testing with Lori. Dr. Nagelberg: Tell me why you started to use OralDNA salivary diagnostics. Lori, RDH: We were frus...

A Total Health Approach at a Reasonable Price: An Interview with Dr. Isaac Comfortes DDS

Posted on September 22, 2017May 19, 2021 by Isaac Comfortes DDS

Dr. Nagelberg: Tell me how you use OralDNA salivary diagnostics. Dr. Comfortes: I started utilizing salivary diagnostics in 2013. Since then my approach has concentrated on total health, which I discuss this during every patient consult. Without the use of OralDNA® salivary diagnostics, the total health conversation would be difficult. First, I ask the patient if they understand the importance of the test. Then I address the levels of bacteria and how that is expressed in their gum health...

Systemic Antibiotics can be Bad but Heart Attacks are Worse

Posted on August 25, 2017May 19, 2021 by John Kempton DDS

I am going to ask the question, would you agree antibiotics can be bad but heart attacks are worse? As this is part 3 of my series, I hope I am hearing a unified “Yes”. In my opinion, systemic antibiotic should be used in an attempt to lessen the translocated pathogens. The high-risk patient is no longer capable of fighting, resisting, or diminishing the pathogenic loads on their own and the systemic antibiotic is an option. Yes there is a risk of antibiotic adverse reaction but a heart atta...

Dentistry is Medicine

Posted on August 18, 2017May 19, 2021 by John Kempton DDS

In the previous blog, we discussed that the use of systemic antibiotics, for high-risk patients may currently be the most effective method to treat the systemic impact of translocated periodontal pathogens. As periodontal treatment plans are formatted, utilizing a MyPerioPath test assists in determining the pathogen profile of the periodontal infection and provides evidence- based systemic antibiotic selection. If dentistry is medicine, then utilizing a test to confirm the presence of bacte...

Routine dental hygiene… is never routine!

Posted on August 11, 2017May 19, 2021 by John Kempton DDS

The Merrian-Webster defines paradigm shift as “an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way.” There is a definite paradigm shift in dentistry and a strive to parallel our dental profession to our medical counterparts. Dr John Kempton is on this front line, helping address oral systemic health with direct patient care and as a leader inspiring others to a higher quality of care. Dr John Kempton will be our gues...

The Medical History Form and Salivary Diagnostics

Posted on July 28, 2017May 19, 2021 by Traci Warner, RDH

A medical history form is a starting point to guide conversations and to make connections between oral health and overall health. Consider re-configuring your current medical history form to quickly be able to visualize oral systemic connections and/ or concerns. These 5 questions should be asked on your current health history form. 1) Has a parent, sibling or grandparent had a heart attack or stroke? Yes__ No__ 2) Has a parent, sibling or grandparent had diabetes? Yes__ No__ 3) Has a p...

“Seeing” What Can’t Be “Seen”

Posted on July 7, 2017May 19, 2021 by Tanya Brown, DMD

Can you think of a patient who, despite all your efforts, continues to struggle with their periodontal health? Do you ever wish that you could “see” that which you cannot “see”? Well, here’s the good news: You can! In addition to a complete professional prophylaxis or periodontal therapy, part of your mission as a healthcare provider is to partner with your patients to achieve better health. When you identify the oral-systemic link for your patients in addition to identifying risk f...

Reduce Dental Benefit Hassles and Help Your Patients Say Yes

Posted on June 23, 2017May 19, 2021 by Tanya Brown, DMD

Wouldn’t it be great if you never had to deal with a denied claim again? One way to help prevent these hassles is by having more diagnostic information from the beginning! The quantitative results that you receive in a salivary diagnostics report gives you a measurable overview of a patient’s bacterial profile as well as risk level—both of which provide crucial evidence for your best chance at insurance coverage. (You’ll also have a great baseline from which you can assess the efficacy of tr...

Perio Pathogens CAUSE Rheumatoid Arthritis– Now What?

Posted on June 9, 2017May 19, 2021 by Richard H. Nagelberg, DDS

“Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease affecting over 1.3 million Americans and as much as 1% of the worldwide population.” (www.rheumatoidarthritis.org) There is a growing body of research indicating a causal association between specific periodontal pathogens and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a 2009 study, in Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, the authors indicate that a specific perio pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.), produces an enzyme capable of modifying specifi...

Gum Disease and Pregnancy

Posted on May 12, 2017May 19, 2021 by Richard H. Nagelberg, DDS

In recognition of National Women’s Health week that begins May 14, I encourage all readers to view the 3 minute attached video. Kim Miller has recorded a highly informative video on pregnancy and periodontal disease. Among the central points in this discussion is that healthy gums do not bleed. Kim makes the point that periodontal bacteria can enter the mother’s bloodstream, cross the placental barrier and potentially have an adverse effect on the developing fetus. There is also a recommendati...