The Perioscopy system consists of a tiny fiberoptic camera (less than 1mm in size), which is able to magnify 24-48 times with intense illumination. The camera is attached to a dental probe (called the Perioscopy Explorer) and is placed gently below the gum line. The video image is immediately displayed on a chairside monitor disclosing minute details that previously may have been undetectable such as decay, fractures, open margins of restorations and calculus.

This system allows the clinician to diagnose and treat subgingivally in the most minimally invasive way possible and can be used by either doctors or hygienists for diagnosis and non-surgical periodontal treatment called micro-visualized endoscopic cleaning and disinfection.

Since its inception more than a decade ago, users of the Perioscopy System have found that once the calcified bacteria have been microscopically removed, the body then has a chance to heal, thus restoring the mouth back to a state of health.

Currently only 7 states restrict dental hygienists from using a dental laser. Most states require Laser Certification prior to use.

Ms. Newkirk began using dental lasers in clinical practice in 2003. Laser education and certification provides the clinican a complete understanding of laser wavelengths, safety, physics, tissue interactions and applications used in "non-surgical" dental hygiene treatment. For more information on Diode Laser Instruction for the dental hygienist, contact Suzanne at rnrwkirk@yahoo.com 

The case studies below illustrate non-surgical uses of the Perioscope to help patients suffering from periodontal disease.  Dental hygienist Suzanne Newkirk provided periodontal endoscopy.  At reevaluation, the periodontist she had see felt the patient needed no further periodontal intervention other than regular three month peiodontal maintenance appointments.

This patient had not been to the dentist for a number of years and was experiencing sensitivity throughout her mouth in her teeth and gums. At her initial exam she expressed desire to have her teeth straightened if her mouth was able to return to a state of health. 
She presented with heavy calculus deposits and generalized bleeding.

• View entire Perioscopy Case Study #1, including clickable before and after images.

This patient was referred for advanced periodontal disease and presented with generalized 5-7mm pockets in all of the posterior teeth plus generalized bleeding on probing. Root planing and scaling had been done several times in previous years, but the patient continued to have periodontal pocketing. The periodontist recommended non-invasive, non-surgical Periodontal ENdoscopy treatment.

• View entire Perioscopy Case Study #2, including clickable before and after images.

The case study below illustrates non-surgical use of Periodontal Endoscopy plus Laser technology to help patients suffering from periodontal disease. With these techniques, the hygienist (Suzanne Newkirk, RDH) provides minimally invasive non-surgical periodontal therapy using the Dental Endoscope to remove deposits from under the gum line with magnification and completes treatment with laser bacterial disinfection of the gingival sulcus.

Periodontal Endoscopy plus Laser Bacterial Disinfection saved this bridge anchor tooth from extraction and bridge replacement with an implant.

The patient was referred because she was told that the teetth holding her bridge had advanced periodontal infection and bone loss. Her dentist advised extraction and bridge replacement with multiple implants. Click on the picture for before and after pictures, periodontal chartinng and radiographs.