A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry shows that prescription tray therapy had positive results for 66 patients with chronic periodontal disease. All patients included in the study had been in long-term maintenance therapy and had exhausted treatment options before being prescribed the customized Perio Tray® (Perio Protect, LLC) to deliver a gel with 1.7% hydrogen peroxide into periodontal pockets. Data were collected at tray delivery, at 6 months, at one year and at annual intervals up to 5 years. Significant reductions in gingival bleeding were demonstrated for smokers and non-smokers who used the tray delivery of peroxide once or twice a day for 10 minutes. The clinical and statistical reductions were observed at 6 months and maintained for the length of the study.
The lengthy duration of data collection and the patient population make this study particularly important for clinicians. According to the published report, all subjects in this investigation had prior long-term, comprehensive periodontal care, including surgical intervention and ongoing maintenance therapy every 2-4 months, and they were all failing to respond and at high risk for continual destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
Lead author and treating periodontist Dr. R. Bruce Cochrane explains, “I did everything possible for these patients before the prescription trays. Most had had at least one surgical intervention and continued to bleed in over 50% of their pockets.” The substantial 60-85% reduction in bleeding gums for these patients after 6 months of prescription tray usage is significant. Also noteworthy is that only 1 tooth out of 1745 teeth was lost to periodontal disease during the period studied.
For dentists and hygienists who are weighing the benefits of prescription tray therapy, this research is especially helpful. The data reinforce clinical trial results and are statistically and clinically significant. Good clinical decisions have to take into account many considerations including patient expectations and preferences, financial concerns, and individual conditions and health histories. “It’s gratifying,” explains Cochrane, “to be able to help patients improve their health and happily return to my practice.”
Patients appreciate the prescription Perio Tray, describing it as comfortable, flexible, and easy to use. In one controlled clinical trial, all patients assigned to Perio Tray subject groups unanimously agreed that they would recommended the trays to others. Dr. Cochrane’s patients reported the tray usage was easy and credited the Perio Tray therapy to their healthier, brighter smiles.
The new study is available in abstract form at jclindent.com or in full length at Providers.PerioProtect.com/clinical-research. For more information about lead author Dr. Bruce Cochrane, see doctorcochrane.com. Perio Tray therapy is explained in detail on Providers.PerioProtect.com.
