Martin Schroeder, DDS awarded Perio Protect Orkos award

Dr. Martin Schroeder has been awarded the Orkos Award for demonstrating professional excellence in a case study report that documented a patient who was treated for severe periodontal disease. Read about how he used the Perio Protect Method to avoid a surgical procedure and satisfy his client.

St. Louis, Missouri – August 30, 2011 – Dr. Martin Schroeder of Biglerville, PA has received the Orkos Award for demonstrated professional excellence in a case study report of a patient treated for severe periodontal disease. Dr. Schroeder’s patient was new to his practice, attracted by Dr. Schroeder’s website with information on non-surgical treatment options. This case was severe and had already been recommended for surgery, a procedure the patient wanted to avoid.

Before treatment, the patient’s pockets measured up to 9mm, with 69% of all sites bleeding upon probing. He wanted to know if he was a good candidate for the minimally invasive Perio Protect Method^®, an approach to treatment that starts with prescription tray delivery of medication, followed by professional cleanings of the tooth and root surfaces as needed. Surgery is performed only when absolutely necessary. The goal is to use a customized prescription tray, like the Perio Tray^®, to keep medication below the gum line and fight the bacteria causing the infections. Dr. Schroeder agreed that the patient could try the Perio Tray^® delivery of medication first, but also cautioned him that his condition was very serious and that surgery may still be needed. The patient accepted the treatment plan and even quit smoking to confirm his commitment.

To hold medication effectively below the gum line, each prescription Perio Tray^® is custom fabricated to fit precisely over an individual patient’s teeth and gum. This patient used the prescription tray to deliver medication for approximately 3 weeks before he returned for a follow up visit. At this first follow up visit, no pocket measured more than 6mm and bleeding was reduced to 9%, down from 69%. A full mouth debridement was performed and the next appointment was scheduled.

The patient continued to use the Perio Tray^® delivery of medication at home between appointments. When he returned six weeks later, there was no bleeding and the deepest pockets were 4mm, save one 5mm pocket. Site specific scaling was done on all pockets over 3mm. At the recall appointment 6 weeks later, 3.5 months from the start of treatment, there was no bleeding and no pockets deeper than the accepted normal depth of 3mm.

By following the homecare protocol with the tray and medication, the patient not only avoided surgery, but also avoided extensive scaling and root planing that he want not keen to have done. Within weeks of treatment, the patient reported that he “feels better.” He was so happy with the results of the minimally invasive approach to treat his infected gums, and he wanted to complete needed restorative work with Dr. Schroeder.  

The Orkos Award celebrates the contributions of dental professionals like Dr. Schroeder in the fight against gum disease, recognizing individual contributions in minimally invasive dentistry.   According to Dr. Tanya Dunlap, Program Development Director of Perio Protect, “The ancient Greek word Orkos is associated with the ‘Hippocratic Oath,’ and with this award we want to honor those dentists who share our passion and our vision for the most effective, minimally invasive periodontal care. This was a severe case,” she noted, “and Dr. Schroeder well deserves this recognition.”

Martin Schroeder has been in private practice since graduating from the University of Maryland, School of Dentistry in 1980. He notes that “The Perio Protect Method has had a profound impact on my practice, allowing me to help more patients with less invasive tools than ever before. My patients,” he explains, “appreciate the new options.”

Dr. Schroeder’s son Matthew Schroeder recently joined his practice. They look forward to serving patients together for years to come. You can contact Dr. Schroeder’s office by calling 717-677-8145 or viewing his website http://www.schroederdental.com. 

For additional information about the Orkos Award and the current winners, go to www.theorkosaward.com.  To learn more about the Perio Protect Method^®, visit www.perioprotect.com.