Chapter 36-Future Directions for Management of Periodontal Patients

Chapter 36 -Future Directions for Management of Periodontal Patients Probing Depths and Attachment Levels - Manual periodontal probes for measuring pocket depth and clinical attachment levels have been used for years. The future may see more computer -linked controlled force electronic periodontal probes. - Automatic data entry features Digital Radiographs - Special s ensors are used instead of traditional film. Digital images are stored on a computer and viewed on a computer screen. Eliminate distortion sometimes seen with traditional film. Allow for easy magnification of details. May be easily shared with other he althcare providers. Computed Tomographic Techniques - Provide clinicians with the ability to view and study minute details and precise dimensions of the jaws on a computer screen 3D mode Used in the planning phase of implants Periodontal Disease -Systemic Disease Connection - Research is this critical area is ongoing. Examples of systemic disease or conditions that may have a connection to periodontitis: -bacterial endocarditis -cardiovascular disease -diabetes mellitus -adve rse pregnancy outcomes