Putting science into practice: the clinical translation of medical approaches.

Proving a relationship between inflammatory periodontal disease and systemic disease will bring significant changes to the average periodontal practice. First, there will be a time of confusion with competing ideas and techniques. Determination of acceptable levels of inflammation will bring an end to the discussion. As this transition occurs, patients will need to be kept as current as possible without being unnecessarily alarmed. The average periodontal practice will shift its emphasis toward controlling inflammation. Initially, this will mean more periodontal surgery, more tooth extraction, and more implant placement. In the long run, periodontal disease may be treated by the patient with anti-inflammatory medications; by the general dentist with local therapy including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, advanced nonsurgical techniques, and surgery; and, less frequently, by the periodontist.