What Really Works in Periodontal Therapy?
Explore the evidence behind air polishing, salivary testing, adjunctive antibiotics, and laser therapy to determine which approaches improve periodontal outcomes and where traditional instrumentation remains essential.
Which statement best describes the role of erythritol- and glycine-based powders in nonsurgical periodontal therapy?
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Erythritol- and glycine-based powders support effective biofilm removal with less abrasion than sodium bicarbonate. However, scaling instruments remain necessary for calculus removal, particularly in pockets deeper than 6 mm.
What is a major limitation of salivary testing for periodontal and peri-implant diseases?
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Although research has identified promising salivary biomarkers associated with disease and treatment response, larger studies and further clinical validation are needed before these tests can be used reliably for diagnosis or risk assessment.
Which statement best reflects the evidence for adjunctive laser therapy in periodontal treatment?
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Research has not demonstrated clinically significant, long-term benefits from the adjunctive use of many laser types. However, laser-assisted new attachment procedures may offer an option for selected patients who cannot undergo conventional periodontal surgery due to anatomical or medical limitations.
