Faculty Bibliography

Periodontists are often called upon to provide treatment for furcation bone loss. However, periodontal disease is only one cause of bone loss within the furcation of teeth. Endodontic pathosis, tooth fractures, periodontal disease, as well as non-odontogenic causes, must be considered before beginning treatment. Periodontal treatment of a furcation defect should never be done without a proper endodontic diagnosis. Radiographic and clinical findings can help the clinician arrive at a correct diagnosis. While some furcation defects are relatively simple to treat and have a good long-term prognosis, others can render a tooth hopeless. A new etiology-based classification system of furcation defects is needed to lead the clinician to a proper diagnosis. Understanding the etiology of the defect is critical to avoiding unnecessary, irreversible and ineffective procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug widely prescribed for various ailments, including orofacial pain. It was once thought to have no potential for abuse; however, the last decade has seen a dramatic rise in the nonmedical use of gabapentin, particularly among opioid-dependent patients. Gabapentin is sedating and interacts with other sedating medications such as opioids, which can lead to impairment and accidents and may raise the risk of overdose. Dentists must be aware of the potential for abuse of gabapentin and weigh its benefits against its risks when prescribing the drug.

This case report describes the periodontal management of a patient with end-stage liver disease undergoing liver transplantation. In the first part of this article, all medical and dental findings are reported to elaborate adequate diagnoses. A patient-specific treatment plan was structured given the challenging periodontal and systemic scenarios. The second part describes the periodontal therapy delivered in close interaction with the referring physicians. Last, the article reviews current principles and protocols in managing these patients.