Modern Hygienist - November 2008 - (Page 20)

patients | ORTHODONTICS As hygienists we must understand the intricacies of those obstacles our patients wearing appliances confront. ering the care your patients need. Every orthodontic patient is a perio patient. In our practice medical/dental history is reviewed, blood pressure checked and periodontal risk assessed. Patients are seen every three months for preventive therapy. Arch wires are removed to facilitate a thorough prophylaxis. Scaling and root planing is performed when needed, typically in the area of No. 22- No. 27. Local anesthetic and nitrous oxide are used when necessary, a soft tissue diode laser is incorporated for bacterial reduction and debridement and locally administered antibiotics are placed. If the general dental office does not have current bite wings and/or full mouth x-rays (often they do not), we take them to monitor caries and osseous change. Unfilled tooth surfaces are assessed with a KaVo DIAGNOdent caries detection device (kavousa.com) at each visit, sealants, fluoride and fluoride varnish are used and home remineralization products including GC America’s MI Paste and MI Paste Plus (gcamerica.com) are dispensed. Every patient receives a visual and palpation oral cancer examination and every patient 17 and older receives an adjunctive blue light oral cancer screening with LED Dental’s VELscope (velscope.com). Complete periodontal charting is recorded for all patients 13 and older including 6 point probing, mucogingival involvement, mobility, furcations and bleeding. Speech patterns are evaluated for proper tongue function and orofacial muscle balance documented. Oral hygiene instruction is meticulously reviewed, saliva quality, including pH testing, is assessed, diet is discussed, and homecare supplies are dispensed. Upon removing the fixed appliances, orthodontic cement is thoroughly removed, oral hygiene procedures reviewed and whitening or cosmetic/restorative options discussed. PEARLS OF WISDOM So what’s the best advice to offer a dental hygienist treating the orthodontic patient? Embrace the paradigm that the orthodontic patient is a perio patient! Once you transcend that barrier, you will intuitively know how to treat these patients’ unique but comprehensive needs. Remember, fixed appliances don’t eliminate the need to take routine x-rays. Consider recommending sealants on all molars and bicuspids because of increased caries risk. Assume the ortho/perio patient will require a Thoughts? Comments? Modern Hygienist is your magazine, so let us know what we can do for you. If you would like to contact us, here’s how: Thais Carter, tcarter@advanstar.com Questions? http://www.kavousa.com http://www.gcamerica.com http://www.velscope.com http://www.plaksmacker.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Modern Hygienist - November 2008

Modern Hygienist - November 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Letters Modern Solutions Brace Yourself Pathways: Behind the Mask Faith In Place Ultimate Recall: You Can't Work Alone Going Public: Why Public Health? A Fresh Approach to Thanksgiving Ad Index Classifieds Moonlighting

Modern Hygienist - November 2008

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