From Guest Blogger Nanette Pypec
Nanette, a Registered Dental Hygienist, is an integral part of the Dental Health & Wellness Boston team. Graduating at the top of her class and receiving the Golden Scaler Award from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC, Nanette has been in the field of dentistry for over twenty-two years and has specialized training in sedation dentistry, laser periodontics and local anesthesia. Nanette explains, “I constantly strive to learn the newest technologies so that I can help my patients achieve optimal dental health.”
Dental Health & Wellness Boston Uses Cutting-Edge Technology to Treat Gum Disease
Dr. Jill B. Smith, DMD and our hygiene team are excited to inform our patients at Dental Health & Wellness Boston of the newest salivary DNA test to help better diagnose and treat our patients with periodontal disease (also known as gum disease and gingivitis). We know that an estimated 75% of the U.S. population has some form of gum disease and that there are over 700 types of bacteria in the mouth that cause variations of this oral health issue. Imagine the frustration as a hygienist not being able to treat the exact type of bacteria!
Oral DNA Lab has developed a simple salivary DNA test called MyPerioPathSMto determine the exact bacteria and quantify the concentration of those bacteria. This allows us to diagnose and treat periodontal disease at an earlier stage more accurately. By planning out therapy and determining antibiotics to precisely target specific bacteria, we can obtain superior clinical outcomes. Specific treatments may include some of the following: non-surgical periodontal therapy like deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), systemic antibiotics prescribed to target the specific bacteria like Arestin and antimicrobial mouth rinses such as Peridex or the all-natural product Tooth and Gums Tonic. Minor laser procedures or referrals to a periodontal specialist may also be recommended.
Patients Who Will Benefit From Oral DNA Testing
- Patients presenting with signs and symptoms of a periodontal infection and gum disease
- Patients with pockets of 4mm or greater with clinical signs of a periodontal infection
- Patients presenting chronic periodontal disease who is not responding positively to their current treatment
- Patients with Type I or Type II diabetes
- Patients with a history of Cardiovascular disease
- Patients who use tobacco products
- Patients that will undergo surgical procedures or radiation treatment who require medical clearance verifying no dental infections are present
- Can be used as a “Baseline” for any patient that may be at increased risk for periodontal infections
- Patients who test positive for genetic susceptibility with the MyPerioID® PST® test
- Women of child bearing age
Being a hygienist for the past fourteen years, I am very excited to have this great tool in my arsenal. This wonderful advancement gives my patients the best possible chance to overcome their periodontal infections and obtain overall health. My goal is always to help educate my patients of the benefits of a healthy mouth and minimizing the oral systemic link to various diseases. We know periodontal disease has links to other illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some forms of cancer, lowered immune systems and more. As your Boston dentist, the entire staff at Dental Health & Wellness Boston strives to keep learning to bring better treatment to you, our patients, and provide healthy smiles for life!
