Getting Started with Periodontal Bacterial Testing: Quick Start Guide for Dental Teams

Apr 2, 2026 | Practice Resources

Starting bacterial testing doesn’t have to be complicated.
Our 3-minute Quick Start video walks you through exactly how to begin using MicrobeLinkDx® in your practice — from who to test, to how to collect a sample, to sending it to the lab.

 

Quick Start Guide to Microbelink Dx 

Who Should Be Tested for Periodontal Pathogens?

Patients who may benefit from bacterial testing include:

• new patients with bleeding or bone loss
• 5mm+ periodontal pockets
• bleeding during periodontal maintenance visits
• implant candidates or inflamed implants
• patients not responding to SRP
• patients with systemic health risk factors


When Should You Take a Sample?

Testing is commonly performed:

• during new patient exam when periodontal disease is diagnosed
• before scaling and root planing
• during periodontal maintenance visits when bleeding is present
• prior to implant placement or when inflammation is present around implants
• when inflammation or bleeding persists after treatment


How is a Sample Collected?

MicrobeLinkDx® uses sterile paper points to collect bacteria directly from the base of the periodontal pocket.

• sample 5 deepest periodontal pockets
• place paper points into collection vial
• place vial into FedEx return pouch
• send sample to lab using provided shipping materials

Results are typically available within about 72 hours after the lab receives the sample.


Why Bacterial Testing Matters

Periodontal pathogens have been linked to systemic inflammatory conditions including:

• cardiovascular disease
• diabetes
• pregnancy complications
• respiratory disease
• Alzheimer’s disease

Identifying pathogenic bacteria allows clinicians to personalize treatment decisions and monitor patient response to therapy.


Internal Links to include

Link to:

Sample report page
https://microbelinkdx.com/easy-to-read-reports/

Additional resources page
https://microbelinkdx.com/additional/

MicrobeLinkDx homepage
https://microbelinkdx.com

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