Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy

As new technologies and adjunctive therapies expand treatment options, clinicians must critically evaluate the evidence to select techniques that truly improve periodontal outcomes and patient quality of life.

By Kristen Pratt Machado On May 14, 2026

Which statement best reflects current evidence regarding air polishing in nonsurgical periodontal therapy?

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Sodium bicarbonate powders are preferred for their superior subgingival effectiveness.

Erythritol and glycine powders provide gentler biofilm removal with reduced tooth and implant surface damage.

Air polishing replaces the need for calculus removal in all pocket depths.

Air polishing is contraindicated in patients with generalized recession.

Correct! Wrong!

Erythritol and glycine powders allow effective supra- and subgingival biofilm removal while minimizing abrasion compared to sodium bicarbonate. However, calculus removal, especially in deeper pockets, still requires hand or ultrasonic instrumentation.

What is the primary limitation of current salivary testing for periodontal and peri-implant diseases?

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Tests are too expensive for routine use.

Saliva cannot contain disease biomarkers.

There are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved salivary tests with adequate sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis.

Salivary samples cannot be collected in dental settings.

Correct! Wrong!

Although research has identified potential biomarkers (such as microRNAs and inflammatory proteins), there are currently no FDA-approved salivary tests that reliably diagnose or screen for periodontal or peri-implant disease. Further validation in large clinical cohorts is required.

Regarding adjunctive antibiotic therapy in nonsurgical periodontal therapy, which approach has the most evidence in supporting it?

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Routine use of local antibiotic delivery in all periodontal pockets ≥ 5 mm.

Avoidance of all systemic antibiotics in periodontal treatment.

Short-term, high-dose systemic antibiotics reserved for specific cases such as aggressive disease or uncontrolled progression despite mechanical therapy.

Antibiotics as a replacement for scaling and root planing.

Correct! Wrong!

Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy

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Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy

Which statement best reflects current evidence regarding air polishing in nonsurgical periodontal therapy?

What is the primary limitation of current salivary testing for periodontal and peri-implant diseases?

Regarding adjunctive antibiotic therapy in nonsurgical periodontal therapy, which approach has the most evidence in supporting it?

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