To Refer or Not to Refer Periodontally Compromised Patients- What Does Literature Suggest?

Abstract

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Hence, regular and thorough periodontal screening and care is imperative and should be a basis of all oral examinations. General dental practitioners often being the first to diagnose periodontal disease, might play a significant role in the management of periodontally affected patients. It is also necessary to focus on management of the risk factors and modifying factors which might affect periodontal disease and its treatment plan. Irrespective of the treatment being administered by a specialist or general practitioner, it should be ensured that the patients receive the same and best quality treatment. The level of speciality education being limited in the curriculum for undergraduates, general dentists need to be well acquainted with the criteria of timely and appropriate referrals to periodontists. The speciality of periodontology is growing in diverse aspects and various advancements in this field of dentistry have given success predictability level to previously considered unsalvageable periodontal issues. The present article provides useful guidelines for periodontal referral. It elaborates the levels of complexity associated with periodontal treatment and care of periodontally compromised patients in a secondary care setting.