Periodontal Dental Assistant
There are many avenues for dental assistants to expand their skills and receive competitive offers from prospective employees. One of these dental specialties is working as a periodontal dental assistant. The role of a periodontal dental assistant involves assisting the periodontist during various procedures related to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases, gum health, and bone health.
In this article, we will break down the periodontal dental assistant role and how this specialty can help expand your career and future job opportunities.
Table of Contents
Periodontal Dental Office
Periodontists perform a variety of surgical procedures aimed at treating various conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. For the success of the office, several dental professionals work together to provide the best care to their patients.
Periodontal dental assistants emerge as indispensable allies, blending clinical expertise with compassionate patient care. Tasked with supporting periodontists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of gum diseases, these dedicated professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring optimal oral health outcomes.
Procedures in a Periodontal Office
Any aspiring periodontal dental assistant needs to be familiar with the intricate surgical procedures performed. Some common surgeries performed by periodontists that require the help of periodontal dental assistants include:
Gingival Flap Surgery
Also known as pocket reduction surgery, this procedure involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits, thoroughly clean the roots of the teeth, and reshape the bone if necessary. This surgery is often performed to treat advanced stages of periodontal disease.
Bone Grafting
In cases where bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease or tooth loss, bone grafting procedures may be performed to rebuild and regenerate bone in the affected areas. This is often done to support dental implants or to enhance the stability of teeth.
Soft Tissue Grafting
This procedure involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth or using synthetic materials to cover exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession. It helps to protect the roots from decay and sensitivity while improving the aesthetics of the smile.
Crown Lengthening
Periodontists may perform crown lengthening to expose more of the tooth’s surface, either for restorative purposes, such as placing a crown, or for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile.
Implant Placement
Periodontists are often involved in the surgical placement of dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to support replacement teeth. This may involve procedures such as bone grafting and sinus augmentation to ensure there is adequate bone to support the implant.
Osseous Surgery
Also known as pocket reduction surgery, osseous surgery involves reshaping and smoothing the bone surrounding the teeth affected by periodontal disease to eliminate irregularities where bacteria can hide and promote healing
Guided Tissue Regeneration
This surgical procedure involves placing a barrier membrane between the gum tissue and the tooth root to promote the regeneration of bone and periodontal ligaments in areas where they have been damaged by periodontal disease.
Duties of a Periodontal Dental Assistant
During surgical procedures performed by periodontists, periodontal dental assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the surgery and the comfort of the patient.
From chairside assistance during surgical procedures to patient education and administrative duties, periodontal dental assistants embody a multifaceted skill set essential for the seamless operation of periodontal practices.
Preparing the Operatory Room
Periodontal dental assistants are responsible for preparing the treatment area before the surgical procedure. This includes ensuring that the necessary instruments, materials, and equipment are readily available and organized for the surgeon.
Assisting with Anesthesia Administration
Periodontal dental assistants may assist in administering local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to patients undergoing surgical procedures. This involves preparing the anesthesia materials, assisting the periodontist in administering the anesthesia, and monitoring the patient’s response.
Providing Instrumentation and Suctioning
During the surgical procedure, periodontal dental assistants provide instrumentation to the periodontist as needed. Retraction and isolation are key roles periodontal dental assistants play that directly influence the success of the surgery.
They also assist in maintaining a clear surgical field by providing suction to remove excess saliva, blood, or irrigation fluids.
Attaining Necessary X-Rays
Periodontal dental assistants who are authorized to take x-rays play an important role in supporting the periodontist in diagnosing and planning treatment for periodontal diseases. They ensure that accurate and clear x-ray images are obtained, which are essential for identifying bone loss, assessing the severity of periodontal disease, and evaluating the success of periodontal treatments.
Passing Instruments
Periodontal dental assistants anticipate the needs of the periodontist during the surgery by handing them instruments and materials in a timely manner. This requires familiarity with the various instruments used in periodontal surgery and the ability to anticipate the next steps in the procedure.
Assisting with Wound Care & Dressings
After the surgical procedure is completed, periodontal dental assistants may assist the periodontist in performing wound care and applying dressings as necessary. This may involve placing sutures, applying hemostatic agents, or placing protective barriers over the surgical site.
Providing Patient Comfort
Throughout the surgical procedure, periodontal dental assistants play a vital role in providing comfort and reassurance to the patient. This may involve explaining the steps of the procedure, offering words of encouragement, and addressing any concerns the patient may have.
Monitoring Vital Signs
Periodontal dental assistants may be responsible for monitoring the patient’s vital signs, such as pulse rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, during the surgical procedure. This helps ensure the safety and well-being of the patient throughout the surgery.
Providing Post-Operative Instructions
After the surgical procedure is completed, periodontal dental assistants provide patients with detailed post-operative instructions, including information on diet, medication, oral hygiene, and follow-up care. They may also answer any questions the patient may have about the recovery process.
Tips for Periodontal Dental Assistants
Dental assistants can expand their skill sets through specializing in several different specialties in dentistry. A periodontal dental assistant directly influences the success outcome of the surgical procedures preformed by supporting the patient and the doctor.
Here are some tips for periodontal dental assistants to excel in their role:
Enhance Chairside Assistance Skills
Familiarize yourself with the instruments and materials used in periodontal treatments and ensure they are organized and readily available. All instruments should be passed above the chest of the patient in the red arrow section above unless instructed otherwise.
The periodontist should be able to swing his hand without disturbing their view from the surgical zone in the mouth and receive the proper instrument, positioned in the correct way to fit in their hand.
Stay Organized and Efficient
Periodontal procedures can be complex and time-sensitive. Stay organized, manage your time effectively, and anticipate the next patient to ensure smooth workflow and optimal patient care.
Check out our digital download, Daily Dental Assistant Patient Planner, to help with time efficiency.
Stay Educated
Periodontal treatments and technologies are constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest advancements, techniques, and procedures in periodontal care through continuing education courses, workshops, and seminars.
Use Proper Ergonomics
Periodontal procedures often involve repetitive motions, prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and working in awkward positions, which can lead to musculoskeletal issues if not addressed properly. Using proper ergonomics can help you expand you workload safely and help office production.
- Retract and isolate properly with the mirror and/or suction to avoid wrist fatigue.
- Adjust your periodontal dental assistant chair properly when assisting different doctors and patients.
- Where comfortable shoes to help support you throughout your busy schedule. Check out out our article Best Shoes for Dental Providers.
Check Out Our Supporting Articles
Periodontal dental assistants are integral members of the periodontal dental team, providing essential support to periodontists and contributing to the delivery of high-quality periodontal care. Their diverse skills and contributions help ensure positive patient experiences and optimal treatment outcomes in periodontal dental offices.
We strive to support dental assistants to help expand their careers and increase job satisfaction. Check out our Dental Assistant Articles to learn more.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile Store for educational products and printables to help with oral hygiene in patients and improve your daily workflow. Certain products even come with a customizable feature to support your dental office.
