Thank you Kara, this is a great article!

We use “D0170” which is a re-eval code.

I now use the piezo at my new office and felt the same way. I like the thin “perio tips” and the universal tip. I rarely use the wider tips. I do like how the piezo seems to spray the patient less than the ultrasonic. I feel like you need to turn up the piezo unit more than you think in order to get off tenacious calculus.

I agree, there is still plaque and bacteria in the pocket even if you aren’t feeling calculus. The pocket needs to be cleaned out and that includes the root surface so that the tissues can heal and minimize the pocket depth.

We learned in school that an FMD is not the best thing to do prior to SRPs because the tissues can start to heal leading to bacteria trapped in the pocket and a possibility for a perio abscess. The only time I have done FMDs is when you can’t visibly see enough to take the perio measurements due to heavy supra plaque.

I update the perio chart once per year and 4 BWs w/ 3 PAs once per year as well.

I really liked the dental decks- they are easy to study and bring around with you! Some are very hard, but you will see questions like that on the board! Depends on how old the decks are… some things have changed (such as Fl2 recommendations, etc.) But any of the older decks that are not science based are fine to use! Good luck!

My office does 4BW and 3 PA (2 maxillary, 1 mandibular) every year!

It really depends on the office. If it is a busy office with a low rate of no-shows/cancellations it can generate more income than hourly. Also depends on if you are seeing a lot of perio patients and performing SRPs/perio maint.

I like to recommend waterpiks to those who have trouble using floss, or are not compliant with floss. Also, patients with deeper pockets.