Soft and hard tissue resection in periodontal therapy.

The stabilization of inflammatory periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) and result periodontal maintenance is achieved most effectively by first establishing health within the dento-gingival complex (connective tissue, junctional epithelium, and sulcus). Two forms of surgical periodontal therapy commonly employed to reach this endpoint are resective in nature:, the gingivectomy/gingivoplasty technique for soft tissue resection and the ostectomy (osteoectomy)/ osteoplasty approach for hard tissue resection. These two forms of therapy are presented here from a historical perspective through to today's accepted methodology. The are agumented by literature references and presentations of clinical cases.

Periodontics in the next millennium.

This article prognosticates where periodontology will be in the next millennium. The forecasting of such events is wrought with confusion because such predictions are shadowed by bias, dogmatism, prejudice, experiences, and opinions from either a closed or open mind. The results of the survey from 101 periodontists reflect opinions from varied backgrounds, years of clinical experience, and individual levels of success or failure. The responses cannot be tested for accuracy or duplicated by another survey except to wait out the test of time for the year 2025. Clinicians will be challenged to make decisions on accepting new techniques and concepts as these are brought into the therapeutic fold of periodontics. The clinician will be met with new possibilities as a paradigm shift is inevitable for periodontal practice in the next millennium. After all, who would have thought in the 1960s, the soft tissue augmentation era, that 22 years later in 1982, the regeneration of the lost attachment apparatus (alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament) would become a reality. This survey strongly suggests that by the end of the first quarter of the twenty-first century, local delivery of antimicrobials, growth and differentiation factors, and root biomodification agents will have a major impact on the practice of periodontics. One thing is certain, in the next millennium, considering the responses from this survey, a new era in periodontics will be here. By the year 2025, the research, development, and dissemination of new periodontal knowledge will be beyond the imagination from what was considered usual and customary for the twentieth century.

Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology: is it in your future?

Periodontists who become diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology do so for many reasons. The intent of this paper is to explore the motivational factors of a select group of periodontists who have become diplomates. A survey questionnaire was mailed to 129 diplomates (1980-1984) asking them the question: "What motivated you to obtain diplomatic status in the American Board of Periodontology?" The answers from 95 diplomates were as varied as the individual respondents, but the principal motive was "personal achievement." This internalization for the need to become a diplomate was dominant over all external influences. Calculations made since January 1979 and the comments from the participants in this study strongly suggest that additional enticements must be forthcoming to draw more periodontists into diplomate status.

The missing orthodontic elastic band, a periodontic-orthodontic dilemma.

A review of the literature and a case report are presented, documenting and illustrating the effect that gingivally retained orthodontic elastic bands have on the periodontal tissues. Until a harmless radiopaque medium can be safely incorporated into elastic bands, extreme caution in their use should be observed. Not only should all attempts be made to anchor the elastic bands to the clinical crown, but the patient should receive thorough instructions in their placement and removal. The dentist should include frequent examinations as part of his treatment regimen.

Periodontic/orthodontic management of diphenylhydantoin gingival hyperplasia: case report.

A case report of the periodontic/orthodontic management of a patient with diphenylhydantoin gingival hyperplasia is presented over a 38-month period. The interdependence between the two specialties is discussed along with the rationale for treatment, based upon empirical and available scientific knowledge.