Beverly Hills Periodontal Institute

Periodontal Bacteria Testing

Why do I need to test for periodontal bacteria?


Scientific research has shown that the presence of certain marker bacteria is associated with periodontal disease activity. Knowing the infection level at any given time helps clinicians make the most appropriate risk assessment for gum disease, further tooth loss and can assist in monitoring tooth implant sites. Importantly, the absence of oral bacteria may be indicative of good oral health. The test detects the most important bacteria associated with periodontal disease activity and improves patient care by providing key information to you dentist to help with the following:

  • Diagnose and monitor periodontal problems
  • Accurately report bacteria levels
  • Clarify clinical findings
  • Provide excellent documentation for your progress

Does the test detect the right bacteria?

Yes, the most significant bacteria are tested for.

How is the test administered?

The clinician places a small paper point (similar, in size, to a very small toothpick) in the gum “pocket” adjacent to a tooth believed at risk. After a few seconds, the paper point has absorbed the necessary sample material and it is placed in a small vial and forwarded to the Laboratory, along with payment or payment information. The samples are analyzed, through utilization of DNA technology, and a Laboratory report is faxed and mailed to the clinician.

What do the laboratory results mean?

Like a cholesterol test helps to establish the risk for coronary artery disease, the test helps establish the risk of further attachment and bone loss. The Laboratory Report provides a user-friendly, one-page form, indicating the Pathogen Levels (levels of bacteria) as NEGATIVE, LOW, MODERATE or HIGH, with MODERATE or HIGH levels indicated advancing disease. Your clinician will explain the findings to you.

How can the tests direct my therapy?

The only way to know the extent of a periodontal infection is to perform a microbial diagnostic test. Knowing whether the disease-causing bacteria are present, and the level of infection, helps determine the need for antibiotics. When indicated, the test will assist in eliminating harmful pocket bacteria to enhance the success of surgical procedures. Follow-up tests help establish if you have responded to a particular therapy, which may vary among patients due to your particular response. A failed response to a particular therapy (with or without antibiotics) would indicate that another course of therapy is required. Periodic re-testing will help to alert your dentist of a re-infection before irreversible destruction can occur. This ultimately results in monetary savings to you.
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Dental Reviews & Testimonials

Over 35+ ★★★★★ Star Reviews

Very rarely have I experience such care and compassion from a doctor/periodontist. I appreciate that Doctor Madison took his time with me, given that I was a nervous patient. He made sure that I was completely comfortable before he started my procedure. Because of Doctor Madison I have confidence in continuing and maintaining my dental work, something that I have been putting off for years. I am so happy with the major improvement on my teeth and I am so grateful to Doctor Madison. I highly recommend him.
Mahtab Hakim
a year ago
I am writing this review for Dr. Madison as I feel obliged to, given the outstanding care he has provided my family. My son, daughter and my father have all seen Dr. Madison over the past year and the more times our family has seen Dr. Madison, the more impressed I am with him. We are very grateful for the exceptional care, the great bedside manner and the attention to detail that Dr. Madison provides. For my father, he was able to catch a serious infection in his tooth that his long-time dentist missed.
Romy Nourafchan
Dr. Madison is the BEST in the business. His staff is excellent and responsive, and Dr. Madison is extremely knowledgeable, reasonable, gentle, and thorough. The last two dentists I've seen have said that Dr. Madison is their no. 1 choice for a periodontist in Los Angeles.
Vassi Iliadis
Dr. Madison is the best dentist I have ever had. I have had to have an implant. He and his staff made me feel comfortable and relayed my fears. The office manager and the rest of the staff treat me politely and explain the whole procedure. I could not recommend them more to anyone who wants excellence in their dental care. Keep up the great work!
Charles Feldman

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