William L. Purifoy, DDS Periodontics & Implant Surgery

Fixed Hybrid

Before		After

Symptom/chief concern: Retired senior with moderate medical compromises who is loosing teeth due to recurrent decay, failing root canals, and loose crowns/bridgework. Patient’s general dentist saved them as long as possible, but they are no longer restorable. Patient also reports that “she doesn’t handle pain well and that she needs sedation.”

Objective Findings: Clinical and radiographic evaluation revealed non-restorable upper and lower dentition. Esthetic and functional problems due to open bite and missing teeth.

Action: 1. Consultation with patient’s physicians to obtain medical clearance to proceed with treatment and to alter medications as necessary to prevent bleeding.

2. Consultation and treatment planning with patient’s general dentist to coordinate all aspects of implant treatment, including provisional and final prosthetics

3. Extraction of all teeth under IV sedation and local anesthesia. Delivery (placement) of immediate final upper and lower provisional dentures. Delivery of lower fixed hybrid prosthesis by patient’s general dentist two weeks following extraction.

Plan: Observation and supportive care as needed.

Scientific Evidence Links Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

CHICAGO—Cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of men and women in the United States, is a major public health issue contributing to 2,400 deaths each day. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys bone and gum tissues that support the teeth affects nearly 75 percent of Americans and is the major cause of adult tooth loss.