The role of the general dentist in periodontal care.

Epidemiologic studies find the rate of periodontal disease in the U.S. to be of sufficient significance that periodontal therapy should not be placed uniquely in the domain of the specialist. It is advisable that periodontal record-keeping and treatment, particularly with nonsurgical techniques including scaling and root planing and subantimicrobial and antimicrobial therapy, become part of the daily routine in the general practitioner's office.