“…In a generation, trays are going to change the face of dentistry.”
A Perio Protect Tray is a specialized oral appliance designed to aid in the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. These Perio Trays are custom-made to fit over the teeth and gums, allowing for the precise delivery of medication deep into the periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive. Perio Protect works in conjunction with a prescribed antimicrobial gel, which is placed inside the tray and worn by the patient for a specified period.
By wearing Perio Protect Trays regularly, the medication can reach below the gumline to target and eliminate bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the gums. This targeted approach helps manage gum disease more effectively than traditional methods alone, leading to improved gum health and overall oral hygiene.
One clinician’s view on the PerioProtect Method® and Perio Trays®.
By Anna Sacks
As a periodontist of 43 years I’m naturally leery. I started using this product in 2007 after I’d caught wind of it through various journals. I thought it might have some potential because it’s got a good scientific basis to it, so I decided to give it a try. Now, I think this tool is as powerful as the toothbrush, and I think in a generation, trays are going to change the face of dentistry.
In the five years you’ve used PerioProtect®, how has it worked out for you?
The Perio Tray® is a fabulous product. I mean it’s not a cure-all but it is probably the strongest tool I use in the maintenance portion of my practice. As I’ve used it, my use has evolved. When I first began to use it I limited it to those maintenance patients that I thought were failing, you know, excessive bleeding, poor home care, lack of compliance. As time has gone by I’ve changed to the point where it’s now an alternative to strict two or three-month recall and it frees up the patient a considerable amount in milder cases. I’m even beginning to use it now as a way to minimize the amount of periodontal surgery I do.
What was the process of incorporating the PerioProtect Method® into your practice like?
I thought it went smoothly enough. It took some education on my part because at the time my staff was not familiar with taking impressions or pouring stone. Once I determined that this was a product I was going to go with and continue to use, it was about a six-month process to get it incorporated. Up until then I had been doing all of these things myself, so I broke out of my normal periodontal routine and trained my staff, and after about a year things smoothed out.
Now my staff is very enthusiastic about it and my hygienists are comfortable spotting the patients they think it would help as well as explaining it to them. I keep the PerioProtect® website on my business card so we can refer patients to it and let them get an idea of what we’re talking about, and I think that’s been a useful tool.
What kind of changes have you observed since integrating this product?
It has minimized the amount of surgery I have to do, and quite frankly as a periodontist that has made my life quite a bit easier. It’s a whole lot easier to tell a patient I have three teeth I need to fix instead of when I was a young dentist and none of the medications were available. Back then I was doing full mouth surgery after full mouth surgery. It’s been a very powerful tool. I can’t say enough nice things about this product.
What would you say is its biggest benefit?
There many features that are hugely beneficial—maintenance, minimizing surgery, geriatrics—but the absolute biggest benefit without a doubt in my mind is it’s one of the few tools that helps with controlling bleeding. Over the last 20 years disease after disease has been found to be associated with periodontal disease and the bleeding and inflammation periodontal disease causes. I think there’s a tremendous health benefit associated with Perio Trays® .
Would you recommend this product to a colleague?
It works and it always works well. It’s a wonderful product. It’s not a stand-alone product but if you combine it with the other routine things that are used with periodontal disease, it’s a tremendous tool.
Posted with permission from the July 2013 issue of Dental Products Report® DentalProductsReport.com. Copyright 2013, Advanstar Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Who Are Perio Protect Trays Best Used For?
Candidates for Perio Protect Trays typically include individuals diagnosed with gum disease, specifically those with mild to moderate periodontal issues such as gingivitis or early-stage periodontitis. These Perio Trays are beneficial for patients who may have difficulty effectively managing their gum disease through traditional methods like regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings alone.
Candidates who experience symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth due to gum disease may benefit from using Perio Protect as part of their treatment plan. Additionally, patients seeking a non-invasive, at-home solution to complement in-office periodontal treatments can also be good candidates for incorporating Perio Protect Trays into their oral care routine. It is important for candidates to consult with their dentist or periodontist to determine if Perio Protect treatment is suitable for their specific gum health needs.
Periodontal Gum Disease
Periodontal gum disease, commonly known as periodontitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in dental plaque, leading to gum inflammation, gum recession, destruction of the bone supporting the teeth, and potentially tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease has different stages, ranging from gingivitis (mild inflammation) to advanced periodontitis (severe damage).
Globally, periodontal gum disease is prevalent, affecting a significant portion of the population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half of adults aged 30 and older in the United States have some form of periodontal disease. The prevalence is even higher among older adults, with over 70% of adults 65 and older experiencing periodontitis. These statistics highlight the widespread impact of periodontal gum disease on oral health and the importance of regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices to prevent and manage this common condition effectively.
Inquiring Dentists Ask… Are Perio Trays Worth It?
Perio Protect Trays can be worth it for individuals seeking an effective and non-invasive treatment option for managing gum disease. Perio trays offer a targeted approach to deliver antimicrobial medication deep into the periodontal pockets, where bacteria thrive, helping to reduce inflammation, eliminate bacteria, and promote healing of the gums. The convenience of using Perio Protect at home, in conjunction with professional dental care, can enhance the overall effectiveness of gum disease treatment.
Perio Protect Treatment Main Benefits
There are many benefits to utilizing Perio Protect in your practice. Here are the main reasons dentists recommend Perio Trays as part of an effective treatment plan:
- Targeted Treatment: Perio Protect Trays deliver antimicrobial medication directly to the source of infection deep within the periodontal pockets, effectively targeting and eliminating harmful bacteria.
- Non-Invasive: The treatment with Perio Trays is non-surgical and minimally invasive, providing a gentle yet effective approach to managing gum disease.
- Convenience: Patients can use Perio Protect at home, making it a convenient addition to their oral hygiene routine without requiring frequent visits to the dentist.
- Customized Fit: The trays are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth comfortably, ensuring proper delivery of medication and enhancing treatment effectiveness.
- Reduced Inflammation: By reducing bacterial load and inflammation in the gums, Perio Protect Trays help promote healing and improve overall gum health.
- Enhanced Oral Hygiene: Using Perio Protect can complement regular brushing and flossing, enhancing oral hygiene practices and supporting long-term gum health.
- Preventive Care: Regular use of Perio Trays can help prevent the progression of gum disease and reduce the risk of complications such as tooth loss.
- Improved Comfort: Patients often find that using Perio Protect is comfortable and easy to incorporate into their daily routine, leading to better treatment compliance.
- Cost-Effective: In comparison to more invasive treatments for gum disease, Perio Tray treatment offers a cost-effective option for managing and maintaining gum health.
- Professional Monitoring: While using Perio Protect Trays at home, patients receive professional guidance and monitoring from their dentist or periodontist, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and ongoing support for gum health.
Ready to Get Your Perio Protect Trays?
Ohlendorf Appliance Laboratory makes ordering Perio Trays easy. Provide your patients the best gum health care available backed by dependable customer service and satisfaction guarantees. We work with you to ensure an accurate fit for the comfort of your patient, and to achieve the desired end result. Contact us today for more information, or to get started.