We are watching a video presenting “atraumatic tooth removal,” outlining the use of periotomes, microperiotomes (to slice through the pdl fibers directly, as opposed to using forces directed through the tooth root to separate pdl fibers from bundle bone), preservation of the interproximal papilla, collagen membranes (also detailed was the removal of these 2 wks later), cyanoacrylate (“special” superglue) to hold the collaplug in place, and the use of Teflon sutures for “optimal soft tissue response during final closure.” Also highlighted in the course is the use of retraction sutures with dangling hemostats for minimizing flap trauma, as the use of a Minnesota or other retractor would be too dangerous. What seems silly to me is the narrator’s British accent and the classical music playing, which crescendos at critical moments like knot-tying.

I understand there is peer-reviewed research to support each of these practices (I have conducted research in perio for two years). What I don’t understand is why I feel there is so much emphasis placed on perio as the “tissue-friendly” specialists? In our GP-focused curriculum we are constantly reminded that perio are the folks to call when esthetic results are needed; in fact, our general dental faculty scorn OMS for “never being available,” and "hamburger-ing" the tissue and encourage us to use perio whenever we can for implants and even extractions in the esthetic zone.

So, are there real reasons periodontists advertise in these ways, or am I just seeing specialists who advertise themselves to a future referral base (3rd year dental students) by using sub-specialized research, enticing music, and flashy graphics to drum up business?

Any healthy discussion to help me clear this up would be great…

We are watching a video presenting “atraumatic tooth removal,” outlining the use of periotomes, microperiotomes (to slice through the pdl fibers directly, as opposed to using forces directed through the tooth root to separate pdl fibers from bundle bone), preservation of the interproximal papilla, collagen membranes (also detailed was the removal of these 2 wks later), cyanoacrylate (“special” superglue) to hold the collaplug in place, and the use of Teflon sutures for “optimal soft tissue response during final closure.” Also highlighted in the course is the use of retraction sutures with dangling hemostats for minimizing flap trauma, as the use of a Minnesota or other retractor would be too dangerous. What seems silly to me is the narrator’s British accent and the classical music playing, which crescendos at critical moments like knot-tying.

I understand there is peer-reviewed research to support each of these practices (I have conducted research in perio for two years). What I don’t understand is why I feel there is so much emphasis placed on perio as the “tissue-friendly” specialists? In our GP-focused curriculum we are constantly reminded that perio are the folks to call when esthetic results are needed; in fact, our general dental faculty scorn OMS for “never being available,” and "hamburger-ing" the tissue and encourage us to use perio whenever we can for implants and even extractions in the esthetic zone.

So, are there real reasons periodontists advertise in these ways, or am I just seeing specialists who advertise themselves to a future referral base (3rd year dental students) by using sub-specialized research, enticing music, and flashy graphics to drum up business?

Any healthy discussion to help me clear this up would be great…


At least you know the perio residents will be well rested - especially compared to the OMFS residents :)

I send most of my implant cases to a perio resident because I think he knows what he's doing and their schedule is much more open than OMFS. Also, with OMFS I never have any idea who is going to be where and which time of the year (they have crazy rotating schedules between multiple hospitals) and so I never have any idea who to treatment plan with??

In private practice I think a good OMFS is as good as a good periodontist. I looks more at the individuals ability over are they in the OMFS or perio residents.