Significant technological advances in the areas of data access, retrieval, and management have improved periodontists' abilities to objectively assess information and stimulate innovation. The challenges for today's practitioner are to keep abreast of research advances and to continually incorporate these new concepts into patient care.
To help dental teams readily access the most extensive evidence-based review of host modulation factors, anti-infective agents and tissue engineering, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is offering Volume 8 of the Annals of Periodontology, proceedings of the 2003 workshop on contemporary science in clinical periodontics. The resource offers 15 papers on these dynamic issues, and outlines the significance of the evidence-based approach and systematic reviews and the importance of the consensus process in formulating implications for practice and research.
"These proceedings highlight periodontists' relentless pursuit of validation in their clinical endeavors, as well as their willingness to scrutinize available research and alter clinical therapeutics when appropriate," explained Michael P. Rethman, D.D.S, M.S., and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. "The resource is another tool for the armamentarium but does not replace clinical judgment of the individual patient's treatment needs and preferences."
Among the many questions explored are: does treating periodontitis cut the incidence of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, adverse pregnancy outcomes, bacteria pneumonia and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; what is the effect of host modulation agents compared to conventional therapy; what is the effect of local controlled-release anti-infective drug therapy with or without scaling and root planning (SRP) compared to SRP alone; does microbial identification influence patient management compared to treatment prescribed without this information; and what is the effect on implant survival of maxillary sinus augmentation versus implant placement in the non-grafted posterior maxilla?
Each question investigated includes a systematic review article, including search protocol, inclusion/exclusion criteria used, and a consensus report, which explains the evidence and future research directions.
Volume 8 of the Annals of Periodontology is an invaluable tool for periodontists, general practitioners and hygiene professionals. The 353-page book costs $89 for members, $49 for student members, and $169 for non-members and can be ordered online www.perio.org, or by calling (312) 787-5518.
