Dr. Rick Newhart Updates

VISILITE SYSTEM

Dr. Newhart has started to perform Visilite Cancer Screening for referred and at risk patients.  The two stage visilite system involves the use of a flourescent rinse to evaluate mucosal abnormalities, followed by a secondary dye for those areas with a suspicious appearance.  Patients with periodontal disease are at an increased risk for oral neoplasms.  Sulcular epithelial cells can serve as a reservoir for the human papilloma virus that has been implicated in both cervical cancer for women and oral pharangeal cancer in men.  For this reason, Dr. Newhart feels that the combined visilite and periodontal screening appointment are most appropriate.  Please call our office ask our receptionist to scheduled the visilite oral cancer screening test.  We will report back to the referring doctor with the results.

AAP MEETING IN WASHINGTON , DC .

Dr. Newhart attended the American Academy of Periodontology meeting in October of 2007, in Washington .  The following is a summary of the highlights of the classes he attended:

NEW ADA ANESTHESIA GUIDELINES-

Dr. Kenneth Reed reviewed the newest ADA anesthesia guidelines for the safe use of sedatives and local anesthetic agents in the dental office. The guidelines can be found @ WWWADSAHOME.ORG.  Dentists should note that the level of anesthe-sia and the incidence of complications may be independent of the route of administration of the agents used to sedate the patient.  Please note that for minimal sedation the appropriate initial dose of a single oral agent drug should never exceed the maximum recommended dose of that drug that can be prescribed for un-monitored home use.  Pulse oximetry should be considered for all patients undergoing minimal sedation.  If the patient goes into a deeper level of sedation, the dentist should stop the procedure and wait until the patient returns to the minimal sedation level.  Minimal sedation is defined as that in which the patient’s ventillary, cardiac function and protective reflexes are unaffected.  The patients respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command. 

EMERGENCIES-The frequency of emergencies in the dental office is increasing due to the increasing age of the American population.  All offices should have an AED.  60% of all dental emergencies (cardiac arrests) occur during the process of tooth extraction or pulpal extirpation and they are related to anxiety and/or pain.  Dr. Reed suggested that all members of the dental team should be basic life support certified and should be done annually instead of every two years.  Dr. Reed feels that healthcare  basic algorism for medical emergencies  should be PABCD.  Position the patient comfortably-in a supine position if unconscious.  Assess Airway, Breathing and Circulation.  Apply Definitive therapy.  Dr. Reed feels that every office should have their own customized crash kit and have an established emergency protocol to treat patients that are having difficulty. 

HYPOPLASMINOGENEMIA WITH LIGNEOUS PERIODONTITIS   

Kurtulus et al. (JPerio2007;78:1164-1175) presented a case report of an 18-year-old girl with a rare autosomal recessive inherited trait where there is a defect in the formation of plasminogen. The patient presented with painless, swollen gingiva with ulcerations and pseudomembranes on the maxilla and mandibular gingiva. Radiographs also showed generalized moderate to advanced bone loss involvement. Biopsies and blood studies taken indicated a plasminogen level of 33 percent, which led to DNA testing and diagnosis for the patient.  Scaling and root planing, antibiotics, peridex rinsing, and surgery were all ineffective at controlling the disease.  There is no known successful treatment for Hypoplasminogenemia-associated periodontitis. Dr. Newhart feels that all gingival lesions that fail to respond to conventional therapy should be biopsied and further investigated.

Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

                                Psalm 75:1

Thank you for your continued referral of dental implant and periodontal patients!

Please visit our website at: thegumdr.com

Dr. Richard Newhart, Periodontist

Dental Implant Placement

1308 Market Street

Parkersburg , WV 26101

(304) 422-4867

Dr. Newhart ’s periodontal update is a scientific, referenced literature and research review and newsletter. Dr. Newhart is not claiming to perform, endorse, or achieve the results of every surgical technique or procedure published in this newsletter. Dr.

Newhart is a licensed periodontal specialist, who has achieved significant post-doctoral implant and periodontal education & training.

HAVE A SAFE

AND BLESSED

THANKSGIVING!!!!!!