Speaker: Jennifer Pieren, RDH, MS

Program Track: Clinical Practice

Course Description: Periodontal and peri-implant diseases are plaque-induced inflammatory conditions modified by the host response. The standard treatment protocol is founded on periodontal debridement to remove the bacterial irritational factors, plaque and calculus; however, periodontal instrumentation becomes more difficult in areas of root anatomy, deeper pockets, furcation involvement, dental implants, and surface irregularities. The rationale for using antimicrobial agents and antibiotics is to reduce the numbers of pathogens associated with the periodontal infection. Probiotics offer potential advantages for combating infectious diseases, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics. The goal is to augment mechanical debridement with antimicrobial agents or probiotics coinciding removal of bacterial deposits. Adjunctive antimicrobial therapy is delivered locally; antibiotics can be delivered either systemically or locally. This course will present current evidence for dental hygienists to use in practice regarding which agents are effective, as well as information about possible advantages and limitations of both forms of administration. Special emphasis is given to the implications for mild and moderate forms of periodontitis, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis, periodontal maintenance therapy, and recurrent cases.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the indications for using specific types of antimicrobials, antibiotics, and probiotics in dental hygiene care for periodontal patients.
• Understand current evidence about use and effectiveness of probiotics and self-applied antimicrobials in dentifrices and mouthrinses.
• Explain advantages and limitations of using locally-administered, sustained release antimicrobials or antibiotics in nonsurgical periodontal therapy.
• Consider the advantages and disadvantages of various delivery mechanisms for antimicrobial therapy.
• Select effective agents for various patient cases with periodontitis or peri-implant diseases.

CE Credit Hours: 2.0

Original Date of Session: 22 June 2019

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2022–Dec. 31, 2022). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an approved provider of dental continuing education as recognized by the Dental Board of California, Provider #5238.