Product Evaluation

Clinicians rarely compare dental products to gold mines, but hygienist Suzanne Hubbard is certain that she found a hidden treasure in PerioDT. “When Young came out with PerioDT, it was like hitting gold,” she told DPS. In fact, after realizing the value of this topical dental debridement medicament, she believes that a long-term investment in PerioDT will be more than worth its weight in gold—for patients and clinicians alike.

“We serve in a large, underserved community, and periodontal therapy is about 85% of all we do. The tenaciousness was incomprehensible, and at the end of the day, my hands were so tired,” Hubbard shared. Thankfully, she hit the jackpot with PerioDT, which is used as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapies. Calling PerioDT “amazing,” Hubbard discovered that this treatment improves the lives of her patients while potentially extending her career.

“I apply PerioDT, and within a few minutes, I am scaling off large deposits that would normally take me 20 minutes to address,” she explained. “This helps with my ergonomics and allows me to spend more time working with my patient on oral hygiene instructions and home care. I cannot tell you how much this product has saved time, money, and my hands!”

Ease of Application and Visibility

Available as a liquid or gel, PerioDT is dispensed in a 1-mL syringe that can treat a full arch. It is delivered topically to aid in cleaning tooth surfaces, and application typically takes only 10 to 30 seconds. The material is red in color so clinicians can see where it has been placed. It is then removed with a high-speed evacuator and a water rinse. PerioDT is safe to use on dentin, enamel, cement, porcelain, titanium, and other metals.

“PerioDT is easy to use and place in hard-to-reach areas with the applicator,” shared Amy Norris, LDH, and Hubbard also praised the material’s “ease of use and consistent application.” Hygienist Lori Levin said, “I like how PerioDT softens the bacteria, and the gingiva shrinks away from the root surface to increase visibility. Because the biofilm and calculus are stained pink, it’s easier to visualize.” PerioDT gives Dr. John Lewis “access to subgingival calculus for better results and successful outcomes.” When asked to suggest improvements, several clinicians mentioned that the taste could be improved.

Debris and Contaminant Removal

PerioDT is used as a decontamination topical agent to help remove the microbial smear layer and contaminated debris during periodontal maintenance procedures. A simple, fast-acting Desiccation Technology (DT) removes water from infectious material, necrotic material, and other macromolecules found in the oral cavity. This process occurs less than 1 minute after contact with infectious materials.

Hoping to improve scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures and debridements, Levin likes “the ease of debriding the cementoenamel junction, line angles, and deeper pockets” after using PerioDT and said, “I think it improves SRP outcomes.” Similarly, Norris said, “It softens the calculus to make it easier to clean off tenacious tartar. It works wonders in furcations to help with cleaning it off.”

When patients need full periodontal surgery but only have access to nonsurgical SRP, PerioDT can  help them stabilize their periodontal health, according to hygienist Joleyn Carriveau. “PerioDT is nothing short of amazing!” she exclaimed. “It delivers perio-dessication, full periodontal decontamination, and disruption of the plaque biofilm, in addition to acting as a coagulant during SRP. This is an awesome product for full-mouth dessication. It truly provides the answers that we have been looking for when providing nonsurgical periodontal treatment.” She said she often recommends PerioDT to colleagues but believes that “more marketing and professional education is needed.”

Reduction in Bleeding and Other Uses

Hygienist Ashley Karels relies on PerioDT to “lessen bleeding and improve gingival health, inflammation, and infection” in periodontal patients. “It is a great adjunct therapy for treating periodontal disease and is part of our standard of care for perio and implant patients.”

Clinicians may use PerioDT as an adjunctive topical agent to help remove post-instrumentation debris and smear layer within root canal systems. It also can be used as an adjunctive topical agent on exposed dentin surfaces during cavity preparations.

Hubbard said the doctor in her practice “uses PerioDT for patients who are diabetic or heavy bleeders, and likes to place it before a filling to save the integrity of the filling.” Dr. Tom McCawley said, “I use PerioDT to successfully treat and manage localized infections.”

Overall Satisfaction

All of the clinicians said they would recommend and purchase PerioDT in the future, with Norris saying, “It improves patient outcomes.” Levin stated, “I have more confidence with PerioDT and SRP, and patients notice this.” Hubbard summed up her experience by saying, “It is the best thing since sliced bread.”

Reaffirming that PerioDT “improves the ability to treat advanced periodontal conditions for patients who cannot access full periodontal care,” Carriveau said, “I love this product and use it regularly. No other periodontal product even comes close to delivering the results that PerioDT is able to deliver.”