Periodontal Pathogen Testing

What is periodontal pathogen testing?

Periodontal pathogen testing is a bacterial DNA test, also known as a saliva test, that identifies specific bacteria causing gingivitis and periodontal diseases among the numerous species found in plaque samples.

This information helps dentists and oral hygienists prescribe and recommend targeted, effective treatment for gum disease.

The test also detects current oral diseases, predicts future issues, establishes pre-therapy baselines, verifies post-therapy pathogen eradication, and indicates poor treatment response in refractory cases.

The oral DNA test allows us to:

Gain knowledge of bacterial levels.
Assess gum recession and tooth loss.
Explain, evaluate and monitor scientific test results.
Identify and observe periodontal disease.
Identify what bacteria causes disease.

How does periodontal pathogen testing benefit you?

It’s less invasive
The test results are available sooner than blood tests
It greatly assists in determining the correct course of treatment
We identify biological markers that put you at risk for inflammation
There is no need for X-rays

Taking the DNA test

Put simply, gingivitis and periodontal disease is a bacterial infection. Each type of bacteria has a genetic material. DNA testing provides a more accurate result than culturing the bacteria

What do the results tell us?

The lab results help the doctor determine the risk of bone loss, gum disease and possible factors that may cause dysbiosis and prevent optimal health.

How it's done

The dentist places a small paper point in the gum tissue he believes may be infected. The paper absorbs the genetic material needed for a DNA sample in only a few seconds. The sample is put in a vial and forwarded to the lab, where the lab techs analyse it. Sedation is not necessary for this test as it is completely painless.

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