A 39 year-old male patient presented for a cleaning with hypertension stage I. Patient is aware of his high blood pressure and is currently not taking any medications. He has been smoking cigarettes daily for approximately 10 years and has no intention of quitting.
Patient was informed about increased risks in oral cancer, periodontal disease, and xerostomia. Xerostomia can further lead to caries development and candidiasis. Upon assessments, a fistula near tooth #3-L was found. Patient had endodontic therapy done prior and seems to be infected again. He reported feeling it for 2 years and has only gotten bigger over time, but never went to get it checked out. A full mouth series was exposed to see his bone level due to increased risk of periodontal disease and to have a closer look at #3.
Scaling and root planning was done while avoiding tooth #3. Local anesthesia was used for that quadrant for patient comfort and pain management. After completing the treatment, a referral was given along with a copy of the radiographs for evaluation of tooth #3.
