With the prevalence of periodontal disease in the US, which is present at some level in 47% of adults over the age of 30, advances in technology and improved treatments are greatly needed and welcomed by clinicians. Fortunately, a non-surgical periodontal adjunct is making waves in the dental community.
Desiccation technology targets biofilm and necrotic debris so it can be easily removed without harming the healthy parts of gingival tissues and enamel.
How Does It Work?
The desiccation process works by using a liquid or gel that essentially wicks away the moisture from its surroundings, including biofilm and infected microbial or necrotic material. Clinicians can use this debridement medicament to effectively dry out the biofilm matrix, dislodging it from the root surface and reducing periodontal bacterial levels.
Less than a minute after application, the desiccant is rinsed away, taking biofilm and necrotic debris along with it.
Through desiccation technology, biofilm is affected at the molecular level, making it easier to remove. With the substructure of the biofilm desiccated, the biofilm can no longer adhere to the tooth’s surface. The actual bacteria in biofilm is also dried out and killed in this process, making it more difficult for the disease to rebound.
Benefits of Using Desiccation
Benefits of using a desiccation application, such as YOUNG® PerioDT™, in your dental practice include:
- An effective, nonsurgical treatment
- Fast results minutes after application
- Focused effort on diseased, dead or dying tissue
- Ease of use
- A hemostatic effect that may help control bleeding
- More efficient biofilm removal
- Promoting natural healing
Watch: How to Apply PerioDT
Non-Antibiotic
While antibiotics are an incredible medical achievement, overuse contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The fact that desiccation technology isn't an antibiotic is certainly a win.
Is It Safe?
Using desiccation is very safe if used correctly. Biofilm and diseased tissue release water more easily, allowing the medicament to target this tissue without harming healthy gums. The desiccation application affects healthy skin quite slowly. If you were to get it on your skin or your patient's skin by accident, you can quickly rinse it off with no effect on the skin.
Some risks
Though rare, if your patient has a sulfur allergy, not to be confused with a sulfa allergy, they may have some adverse reactions to the application.
It is also inadvisable to mix with any other agent, including water, because it can become harmful or rendered ineffective.
Safety and effectiveness in pregnant women and children under the age of 18 has not been established.
Advancement in Dentistry
By using the desiccation technology in your practice, you and your patients can reap the numerous clinical benefits of this breakthrough treatment.
Click below to request more information about PerioDT, the latest innovation in desiccation technology.
Sources:
"Periodontal Disease." CDC, 10 July 2013, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
