Sept. 13, 2012 Tight tissues...sometimes a BIG problem

Today I was at the VA and I was fortunate enough to see a CL III and gain some more experience with this specific patient treatment. As I started patient treatment, I discovered that my patient has VERY tight tissues. When radiographic calculus is present, this can be quite the dilemma. I would use my explorer to detect (deep) subgingival calculus and then pick of my Gracey's to instrument and I couldn't even instrument HALF as far down the pocket as I could with my explorer - the thickness of the Gracey's were too large to insert subgingivally. I have never wished for inflamed, bloody, loose tissues so bad in MY LIFE! ;) Luckily, Prof M was able to show me a few tricks to help me remove these deep areas of subgingival calculus efficiently. One trick was through the use of perio files, and after seeing the significant effect they made, I can't wait to learn how to properly use them so I can implement them into my instrumentation. Also, I learned that it is OK to be a bit more aggressive with these harder classifications - as being more aggressive with patient treatment is different them being too rough/harmful to the patient. I am excited for all the opportunities I have to grow as a clinician and professional this year - BRING IT ON! :)