AAP Statements

Information on new products, therapies, and procedures for the treatment of periodontal diseases.

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Bisphosphonates (2005)
According to precautions issued by the FDA, the condition Osteonecrosis of the Jaw has been observed in cancer patients who undergo invasive dental procedures such as dental implants or tooth extractions while receiving treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates. The AAP advises periodontists to determine whether a patient is receiving intravenous bisphosphonate therapy and, if so, avoid invasive dental procedures unless absolutely necessary.

Gingival Curettage (2002)
J Periodontol 2002;73:1229-1230.
Gingival curettage is a surgical procedure designed to remove the soft tissue lining of the periodontal pocket with a curet, leaving only a gingival connective tissue lining. This paper reviews the evidence that gingival curettage has no therapeutic benefit in the treatment of chronic periodontitis and concludes that the dental community as a whole regards gingival curettage as a procedure with no clinical value.

Local Delivery of Sustained or Controlled Release Antimicrobials as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontitis (2006)
J Periodontol 2006;77:1458.
The existing data appear insufficient to conclude that adjunctive sustained or controlled release LDA treatment can either reduce the need for surgery or improve long-term tooth retention, or is cost effective. The clinician’s decision to use LDAs should be based upon a consideration of clinical findings, the patient’s dental and medical history, scientific evidence, patient preferences, and advantages and disadvantages of alternative therapies. Interview with Task Force Members on the Academy’s LDA Statement

Periodontal Management of the Pregnant Patient (2004)
J Periodontol 2004;75:495.
In light of the emerging science indicating women with periodontal disease may be more at risk to deliver preterm low birth weight babies, the AAP recommends that women considering pregnancy or who are pregnant undergo periodontal examinations and receive appropriate preventive and/or therapeutic services if indicated.

Periostat® as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing (2000)
Periostat® is a systemically delivered collagenase inhibitor consisting of a 20-mg capsule of doxycycline hyclate for oral administration. This is the first FDA approved systemic drug for host modulation as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis. Periostat, administered BID, reduced the elevated collagenase activity in the gingival fluid of patients with adult periodontitis.

Risk Assessment (2008)
J Periodontol 2008;79:202.
Risk assessment goes beyond the identification of the existence of disease and its severity, and considers factors that may influence future progression of disease. The clinical use of risk assessment is a component of all dental and periodontal evaluations.

Tooth Extraction During Periodontal Therapy (2003)
J Periodontol 2003;74:933.
Tooth extraction, during the course of periodontal therapy, and in preparation for the placement of dental implants, is a necessary and integral part of periodontal practice and provides treatment advantages to the patient, dentist, and periodontist.

The Use of Conscious Sedation by Periodontists (2003)
J Periodontol 2003;74:934.
To effectively and comfortably provide periodontal care for the anxious patient, periodontists must be trained in and be capable of providing anxiety control by conscious sedation.

Use of Dental Lasers for Excisional New Attachment Procedure (ENAP)
The use of lasers for ENAP and gingival curettage should be evaluated in light of the available evidence. The Academy is not aware of any published data that indicates that the ENAP laser procedure is any more effective for these purposes than traditional scaling and planing.

Reproducing the Papers
The Academy will grant AAP members permission to reproduce up to 150 copies of a paper for not-for-profit, educational purposes only. To obtain this permission or information on reproducing position papers for any other use, please contact the Publications Department:

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AAP Statements

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