510-790-8800

Shirley H. Bien, DMD

Patient Education

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Dental Education Guides

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Perio Protect

Periodontal disease?
• chronic bacterial infections around a tooth or series of teeth
• symptoms include plaque and tartar buildup, bleeding and swollen gums, as well as bad breath

Who gets periodontal disease?
• maturing population – ages 35 and older
• >75% of U.S. population ages 35-44 (>85% in Europe)
• high occurrence among smokers
• persons with physical limitations who have difficulty
  with self-administered oral hygiene

What is the System?
• The Perio Protect System uses an FDA-cleared medical device that directs antimicrobial agents into the gingival sulcus and helps maintain it at the source of the gum infections. These medications:
• may be delivered to the source of the infection
• help to decrease the host inflammation when reducing the bacteria
• help promote healing
• decrease the bacteria which may help improve bad breath
• may provide long-lasting results and reduce the need for surgery

How is it used?
During a dental visit, an impression is made of a patient’s teeth from which two separate appliances are made: one for the top set of teeth and one for the bottom set of teeth.
A dentist-prescribed solution is placed into each appliance. The patient wears the appliances for a period of time prescribed by the dentist.

What are the benefits of the medications delivered to the source of the infection?
• replaces painful and costly periodontal surgery
  (from $4,000 -$9,000 depending on severity of the disease)
• aids in reducing bacteria helping decrease the host inflammation
• as bacteria is reduced, bad breath is eliminated
• as gums heal, bleeding and swelling stops
• no pain
• pleasant taste

Is there any specialized training required for the Doctor ?
• The Doctor is certified by the manufacturer under FDA guidelines to administer the Perio Protect Method.