Orkos award winner

ST. LOUIS, Missouri--Dr. Martin Schroeder of Biglerville, Pa., has received the Orkos Award for demonstrated professional excellence in a case study report of a patient treated for severe periodontal disease. Dr. Schroeder’s patient was new to his practice, and was attracted by Dr. Schroeder’s website with information on nonsurgical treatment options. The case had already been recommended for surgery, a procedure the patient wanted to avoid. Before treatment, the patient’s pockets measured up to 9 mm, with 69% of all sites bleeding upon probing. The patient wanted to know if he was a good candidate for the minimally invasive Perio Protect Method, an approach to treatment that starts with prescription tray delivery of medication followed by professional cleanings of the tooth and root surfaces as needed. Surgery is performed only when absolutely necessary. The goal is to use a customized prescription tray, like the Perio Tray, to keep medication below the gum line and fight the bacteria causing the infections. Dr. Schroeder agreed that the patient could try the Perio Tray delivery of medication first, but also cautioned him that his condition was serious and that surgery may still be needed. The patient accepted the treatment plan and quit smoking to confirm his commitment. To hold medication effectively below the gum line, each prescription Perio Tray is custom-fabricated to fit over an individual patient’s teeth and gum. This patient used the prescription tray to deliver medication for approximately three weeks before he returned for a follow up visit. At the first follow-up visit, no pocket measured more than 6 mm and bleeding was reduced to 9%, down from 69%. A full-mouth debridement was performed and the next appointment was scheduled. The patient continued to use the Perio Tray delivery of medication at home between appointments. When the patient returned six weeks later, there was no bleeding and the deepest pockets were 4mm, except for one 5-mm pocket. Site specific scaling was done on all pockets greater than 3 mm. At the recall appointment six weeks later, 3.5 months from the start of treatment, there was no bleeding and no pockets deeper than the accepted normal depth of 3 mm.By following the home-care protocol with the tray and medication, the patient not only avoided surgery, but avoided extensive scaling and root planing. Within weeks of treatment, the patient said he “feels better.” Based on the results of the minimally invasive approach to treat his infected gums, the patient wanted to complete needed restorative work with Dr. Schroeder. The Orkos Award celebrates the contributions of dental professionals, such as Dr. Schroeder, in the fight against gum disease, and recognizes individual contributions in minimally invasive dentistry. According to Dr. Tanya Dunlap, program development director of Perio Protect, “The ancient Greek word Orkos is associated with the ‘Hippocratic Oath,’ and with this award we want to honor those dentists who share our passion and our vision for the most effective, minimally invasive periodontal care. "This was a severe case,” she noted, “and Dr. Schroeder well deserves this recognition.” Perio Protect honors dentist, hygienist with Orkos AwardDr. Martin Schroeder has been in private practice since graduating from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1980. “The Perio Protect Method has had a profound impact on my practice, allowing me to help more patients with less invasive tools than ever before," he said. "My patients appreciate the new options.” Dr. Schroeder’s son, Matthew, recently joined his practice. Contact Dr. Schroeder’s office at (717) 677-8145 or visit www.schroederdental.com. For additional information about the Orkos Award and the current winners, go to www.theorkosaward.com. To comment on this topic, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.