easy guide to consent for perio

Question 1

explain plaque and gum disease

Answer 1

• Plaque is the white sticky substance which accumulates on everyone’s teeth daily and
  naturally. When this is not removed effectively or frequently it can harden to produce
  calculus which is not so easily removed. This can irritate the gum leading to gum disease
  (red, inflamed, bleeding gums). This is reversible at this stage with good oral hygiene and
  visits to your dentist or hygienist.
• If this gum disease is allowed to progress then it can lead onto what is called periodontitis
  which affects the bone underneath the gum, causing it to break down. This can cause further
  inflammation, tooth mobility and possible tooth loss.

Question 2

3. Why else you may have this disease

Answer 2

Other risk factors include smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, medications being
taken

Question 3

What will happen to you as a patient

Answer 3

Once this disease(periodontitis) has started you cannot put back what has been lost
i.e. bone, however, we can work together to slow down the process.
b. There is a major element of self care for you to do at home.
c. There are a few treatment options to explore : Do nothing, periodontal treatment,
extraction & periodontal therapy
d. What the risks of these treatment options are
e. Other treatment that may be required to help the disease e.g. extractions or fillings.

Question 4

What is required from you as a patient

Answer 4

a. Oral hygiene is important
i. Tooth brushing ant interdental cleaning which will be tailored to you
b. A number of appointments for treatment and review’s depending on your diagnosis
the treatment needed
c. Help yourself by eliminating risk factors – smoking cessation, diet control, working in
conjunction with your GMP

Question 5

What success looks like

Answer 5

Your gums should go from red to pink, there will be less swelling and less bleeding.