Q - How did you first learn about the Perio Protect Method™?
A - Dr. Raghian is a periodontist who joined our dental team in 2007. Shortly after his arrival, he introduced me to the Method and explained how it was useful. I then attended a Perio Protect seminar.

Q - How did you start with the Perio Protect Method?
A - I selected to try it with a patient as a test case.

Q - And this test case was successful?
A - Yes. This patient had been coming to our office for years, but then disappeared and did not return for his maintenance visits for more than 2 years. When he returned his well maintained 3-4mm pockets had deepened to 7-9mm and many of his molars had so much mobility that he was about to lose them. There was nothing else we could do, so after full mouth SRP, we tried the Perio Protect Method™. A year after beginning treatment with the Method, his 9mm pockets measured 5mm. A year later, his 5mm pockets measured 4mm; and there was absolutely no bleeding. Even better, he only lost half of one molar. Dr. Raghian removed the distal root of #19 due to excessive bone loss; and Dr. Tilden splinted #18 and #19 with a small pontic to replace the hemisectioned root for greater stability.

Q - Patient compliance is very important for successful treatment results. This patient sounds compliant. Are most of your patients getting good results when they follow the Perio Protect Method™?
A - Most of our patients are not in as critical a disease state as my first test case, but they are getting good results when they follow the Method as directed. What I’ve learned is that my encouragement is very important. I have to give positive reinforcement to my patients, help them stay on top of their situation. If I allow them to walk away from my chair without helping them care about their results, they are not always as diligent with their homecare.

Q - What would you say to someone who has reservations about the Method?
A - There is so much material out there and so much marketing that we all are on the lookout for gimmicks. You won’t really know until you try it, but every hygienist looking for ways to help patients should consider the Perio Protect Method™.