The patient initially presented in September 2024 with high dental anxiety and a history of avoiding care after being scared out of periodontal therapy by a previous provider. He reported 7/10 pain, generalized gingival enlargement, and untreated periodontitis. A strong emphasis was placed on oral hygiene instruction, and with encouragement he became fully compliant with home care and maintenance visits. Comprehensive therapy consisting of full-mouth SRP, adjunctive subantimicrobial doxycycline (20 mg), and chlorhexidine rinses (completed 9/26, 10/3, and 10/22) led to resolution of swelling by November 2024 and improvement in probing depths. By February 2025, he had transitioned to periodontal maintenance, reporting that he could once again enjoy cold foods like ice cream and was no longer embarrassed to brush alongside his young son.

The patient initially presented in September 2024 with high dental anxiety and a history of avoiding care after being scared out of periodontal therapy by a previous provider. He reported 7/10 pain, generalized gingival enlargement, and untreated periodontitis. A strong emphasis was placed on oral hygiene instruction, and with encouragement he became fully compliant with home care and maintenance visits. Comprehensive therapy consisting of full-mouth SRP, adjunctive subantimicrobial doxycycline (20 mg), and chlorhexidine rinses (completed 9/26, 10/3, and 10/22) led to resolution of swelling by November 2024 and improvement in probing depths. By February 2025, he had transitioned to periodontal maintenance, reporting that he could once again enjoy cold foods like ice cream and was no longer embarrassed to brush alongside his young son.

image.png