Seeing Is Believing: Endoscopic Non-Surgical Therapy for Predictable Periodontal Outcomes

Presented by:  Lee N. Sheldon, DMD

Original Lecture/ Publication Date: December 5, 2025 (Webinar Series)

Enjoy a Free Course Preview:

Coming Soon

Course Description:

Dental implants have long been celebrated for their predictability and success. Yet, as the field evolves, the profession must reconsider the overlooked potential of saving natural teeth. This lecture will explore modern diagnostic tools—such as DNA culturing—and the critical, under-discussed art of root surface preparation, enhanced by the periodontal endoscope and chemotherapeutics. With over 25 years of experience in enhancing non-surgical periodontal techniques, Dr. Lee Sheldon will demonstrate how thorough root preparation and case-based diagnostics can result in bone regrowth without surgery. Topics will include fractured calculus management, diagnostic re-evaluation protocols, and a simplified chart developed with experienced colleagues to guide clinicians in determining whether patients are ready for maintenance or require advanced periodontal care. The presentation emphasizes practical, learnable methods that can be adopted by dentists and hygienists to preserve natural dentition, even in severe cases.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the biology of the root surface and how proper preparation can promote bone regrowth without surgical intervention.
2. Identify diagnostic markers (including DNA culturing and fractured calculus assessment) to determine prognosis and guide periodontal therapy.
3. Apply decision-making protocols to classify patients as ready for maintenance care versus those needing advanced periodontal treatment.

Practical Applications for Dentists and Hygienists:

1. Integrate non-surgical periodontal therapies into treatment planning, expanding options for patients beyond extractions and implants.
2. Employ simplified diagnostic charts to streamline evaluation and support evidence-based maintenance decisions.
3. Enhance patient outcomes through localized treatment—achieving periodontal stability and bone regrowth even in advanced cases.

Speaker Bio:

 Dr. Lee N. Sheldon is a distinguished periodontist from Melbourne, Florida. Dr. Sheldon has been in private practice since 1980 and is widely recognized for his contributions to clinical periodontics and dental ethics.

He earned his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, completed a General Practice Residency with the U.S. Army, and received his certificate in periodontics from the University of Connecticut. Over his career, Dr. Sheldon has served as Chairman of the Dental Staff at Holmes Regional Medical Center, as a part-time Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Florida, and as a contributing author to several important publications, including the landmark paper, Clinical Decisions Based on the 2018 Classification of Periodontal Diseases, published in Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry.

Dr. Sheldon has spoken at the American Academy of Periodontology, the Seattle Study Club, and numerous state and regional meetings. He is also the author of two books and co-founder of the Institute for Dental Specialists.

AGD Course #:

490 (Periodontics)

Conflicts of Interest: 

Affiliated with StellaLife