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June 28-July 4, 201016 perio Tribune United Kingdom Edition this mind-set has really changed periodontics today. Patients like the concept of implants, which are still vastly underused in North America. Many patients would rather not have to take care of their teeth and have these unsightly, mobile teeth extracted and re- placed with implants, which would restore their function and their esthetics. With a 94 percent implant success rate, it is hard to argue when that success rate is so high compared to the poor long-term success rate of traditional peri- odontal surgery. This is primarily because we have to depend upon the patients to keep up their regimen for the long-term success of their natu- ral dentition. New procedures — such as the wavelength optimised periodon- tal therapy (WPT) procedure with the Powerlase AT Laser by Lares Research, and LANAP pro- cedures done with the Periolase laser by Millenium Dental — have brought periodontal services into the minimally invasive realm as a solution for patients who do want to keep their teeth without heav- ily invasive periodontal surgery. Technology advances New procedures – such as the wavelength optimised periodon- taltherapy(WPT)procedurewith the Powerlase AT Laser by Lares Research, and LANAP proce- dures done with the Periolase laser by Millenium Dental – have brought periodontics today. La- ser periodontal treatment will continue to develop and become even more effective in the future. Laser periodontal treatment will continue to develop and be more effective in the future. Procedures such as implants and minimally invasive laser per- iodontal therapy will continue to improve and change the way we practice in this new decade. Is this good or bad? You are the dental clinician, so this is for you, the periodontist and the pa- tient to decide. DT This article was first pub- lished in Dental Tribune US edi- tion Vol. 5, No. 12. page 15DTß American Academy of Periodontology response to Where did all the periodontists go? We are writing this letter in response to Dr Louis Malcmacher’s article, which appeared in the May issue of Dental Tribune, entitled “Where did all the periodontists go?” First of all, let us assure you that, as a specialty, periodontology is alive and well, and the increasing number of research studies supporting the perio-systemic link demonstrates that the role of the periodontist is more relevant than ever. While we agree with Dr. Malcmacher that general dentists are the “quarterbacks” of the dental team, we also view the periodontist as the specialty team member who is uniquely qualified in providing an accurate prognosis of all viable treatment options, whether it is non-invasive periodontal therapy, periodontal surgery or extraction followed by replacement with dental implants. Dr. Malcmacher mentions that he has spoken to many periodontists, but this in our view is anecdotal, and does not accurately represent the entire periodontal profession. We believe that the majority of periodontal specialists make ethical decisions every day regarding retention of the dentition versus extraction and placement of implants. Periodontists typically strive to base treatment planning on scientific and clinical evidence, not on what is easier for the patient or profitable for the dentist. General dentists and periodontists live and practice in a society that craves immediate gratification, where patients often demand quick fixes with minimal effort or change in behaviour. Both general dentists and specialists are undermining their clinical expertise and professional authority when they succumb to patient-dictated treatment options. That is why the entire dental team of GP, hygienist, and specialist must provide a united front in explaining to patients why oral hygiene is important, why they should make every effort to save their natural teeth (if appropriate), and why they should accept the recommended course of treatment, maintenance, and the at-home regimen. Regards, Samuel B. Low, DDS, MS, MEd President American Academy of Periodontology Donald S. Clem, III, DDS President Elect American Academy of Periodontology About the author Dr Louis Malcmacher is a practicing general dentist in Bay Village, Ohio, and an interna- tionally recognised lecturer and author known for his compre- hensive and entertain- ing style. An evaluator for Clinicians Reports, Malcmacher has served as a spokesman for the AGD and is presi- dent of the American Academy of Fa- cial Esthetics. 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