Dentistry · Referral letter · Task 2

Periodontal review before bridge planning

You are a dentist. The case notes below record your work on 2 September 2026. Write to Dr Martin Bell, Periodontist, Periodontal Service, 13 Oak Street, Brookfield. Refer for periodontal assessment, explaining the findings and the patient’s practical concerns. Select the information this recipient needs and write approximately 180-200 words in the body.

Patient: Leena Shaw

Case notes

• N01Date: 2 September 2026. Patient: Leena Shaw.
• N02June: bleeding on brushing; difficulty cleaning beneath old upper right bridge. Initial debridement and tailored oral hygiene teaching.
• N03Today: plaque control improved; bleeding persists lower left second premolar/second molar.
• N04Examination: pockets 5-6 mm at these sites; slight second molar mobility; no current pain or swelling.
• N05Radiographs: localised bone loss; enclosed with chart.
• N06Medical: type 2 diabetes; managed by GP; recent glycaemic result unavailable.
• N07Restorative history: missing lower left first molar; previous removable appliance uncomfortable.
• N08Preference: fixed replacement; no restorative choice yet agreed.
• N09Social: lives with partner; enjoys cooking; previously worked in local government.
• N10Information given: consider periodontal stability before restorative planning.
• N11Plan: Dr Martin Bell, Periodontist; assess adjacent teeth prognosis and need for further periodontal treatment; send findings and proposed care sequence.