Test Your Knowledge on Periodontal Maintenance and Continuing Care

Study Notes

The overall therapeutic goals of treatment are to provide optimal oral health, function, and comfort for the patient.
The continuing care program aims to prevent recurrence of infection and initiation of new disease.
Patients should be seen four times a year to decrease the risk for disease progression.
The therapeutic goals of PM include resolving inflammation, eliminating BOP, and providing patient comfort.
Patients need to comply with daily oral self-care and regular professional maintenance for the success of the program.
Continuing care appointment procedures include assessment, review of patient history, vital signs, extraoral and intraoral examination, radiographs, periodontal examination, and examination of the teeth.
Continuing care plan includes oral hygiene instruction/motivation, periodontal instrumentation and debridement, dental caries control, and supplemental care procedures.
Referral to a periodontist is recommended for care outside the scope of practice of a general dentist.
Recurrence of signs and symptoms of periodontal infection indicates recolonization of periodontal pathogens.
Contributing factors for recurrence include inadequate biofilm control, lack of patient compliance with PM appointments, and failure of tobacco cessation.

Patients with certain conditions may require referral during maintenance therapy
Appointment intervals for continuing care may vary from 2 to 6 months
The frequency of continuing care depends on individual patient needs
Factors considered in determining continuing care frequency include risk for periodontal disease, dental caries, and oral cancer
Compliance and previous treatment are also considered
Local factors and restorative complications may also affect continuing care frequency
Continuing care is essential for managing oral health
Methods for administration of continuing care include prebooking and appointment reminders
Medical and dental histories should be updated at each continuing care appointment
Routine examinations should be conducted and recorded for each patient.

Description

Are you familiar with the importance of continuing care in maintaining optimal oral health? Take this quiz to test your knowledge of the therapeutic goals, appointment procedures, and factors that affect the frequency of continuing care for patients with periodontal disease. Learn about the various methods for administering continuing care and the essential components of a continuing care plan. Increase your understanding of the factors that contribute to recurrence of periodontal infection and the conditions that may require referral during maintenance therapy. This quiz is a great resource for dent