Oral Health: A Window Into Your Whole-Body Wellness
A healthy smile is more than just a sign of confidence—it’s a vital part of your overall well-being. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, and when harmful microbes build up around the gums, they can trigger inflammation and infection known as periodontal (gum) disease.
What starts as mild gum irritation (gingivitis) can silently progress into periodontitis—a chronic, bacterial infection that damages the bone and soft tissues supporting your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and even more serious health consequences.
Gum disease doesn’t just stay in your mouth. Research has shown strong links between periodontal disease and systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and even complications during pregnancy. This is why early detection and targeted treatment are so important—not just for your smile, but for your entire body.
Catch the Culprits Early With Saliva Testing
Modern dentistry goes beyond what we can see with the naked eye. Microbial saliva testing offers a powerful, non-invasive way to identify the specific bacteria in your mouth—often before symptoms appear. Think of it as an early warning system that helps us detect risk and act fast.
And now, with DNA-based microbial testing, we can pinpoint the exact pathogens driving infection. Instead of just treating symptoms, we can target the root cause of disease with data-driven precision—leading to more effective, personalized care.
THE IMPETUSDX ADVANTAGE:
A SMARTER ORAL HEALTH PANEL
Not all panels are created equal. Our test panel goes beyond standard competitor tests by detecting emerging pathogens that truly impact patient care.
ImpetusDX Pathogens:
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Campylobacter rectus
Candida albicans
Capnocytophaga spp.
Eikenella corrodens
Eubacterium nodatum
Filofactor alocis
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Parvimonas micra
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Prevotella intermedia
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Streptococcus mutans
Selenomonas noxia
Tannerella forsythia
Treponema denticola
Pathogen Advantages:
Impetus DX has a 4 pathogen advantage over other salivary diagnostic tests on the market, including: Selenomonas, Filifactor, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus mutans.
Candida albicans
Drive biofilm resistance, reduce effectiveness of peroxide treatments, and include drug-resistant strains like C. auris affecting elderly patients.
Filifactor alocis
An emerging keystone pathogen tied to advanced and treatment-resistant periodontitis.
Streptococcus mutans
Links cavities and gum disease; a key risk factor for endocarditis and cardiovascular disease.
Selenomonas noxia
Signals early dysbiosis and is linked to systemic conditions like obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Periodontal disease is no longer seen as purely bacterial—it’s a complex mix of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The Impetus DX panel is uniquely built to capture this full picture, giving you an edge in diagnosing, preventing, and treating both oral and systemic disease risks.
MEET OUR SALES TEAM
Scott Drysdale
National Enterprise Dental Sales Executive
Josh Helms
National Enterprise Dental Sales Executive
WHY IMPETUS DX PARTNERS
WITH PGL
At Impetus DX, we’re committed to delivering the highest quality diagnostic tools to support preventive, personalized patient care. That’s why we’ve partnered with PGL+PCL—a trusted laboratory that shares our values for clinical excellence, precision, and innovation.
Here’s why PGL is the ideal lab partner:
Certified for Quality
PGL is both CAP (College of American Pathologists) and CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certified, ensuring rigorous quality standards and highly accurate testing. These accreditations reflect a commitment to excellence in lab processes and patient safety.
Trusted by Professionals
As a participating member of the American Dental Association (ADA), PGL is aligned with the gold standard in dental care and committed to advancing oral health through science and integrity.
Rapid Turnaround Times
Fast results matter—especially when early intervention can impact both oral and systemic health. PGL delivers test results within 48 hours from the time the specimen is received, allowing clinicians to act quickly and confidently.
Actionable, Easy-to-Read Reports
Clinicians receive electronic, color-coded, semi-quantitative reports that clearly flag high-risk pathogens. These reports are designed to be easy to interpret, empowering dental teams to make informed, targeted treatment decisions backed by real-time data.
Through our partnership with PGL, Impetus DX ensures that every test delivers more than just results—it delivers confidence, clarity, and a clear path forward for both providers and patients.
IMPETUS DX FAQ
1. What is periodontal pathogen testing?
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It's a diagnostic test that identifies the specific bacteria causing periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.
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It helps determine the types and levels of bacteria present in the mouth, particularly in the areas between the teeth and gums (periodontal pockets).
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This information is crucial for tailoring treatment plans to target the specific bacteria contributing to the infection.
2. How is the test performed?
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A dental professional obtains a sample from the patient with a simple, non-invasive saliva collection.
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The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, which involves DNA testing to identify the bacterial species.
3. Why is this test helpful?
DNA testing is more accurate than traditional cultures, allowing for targeted treatment and better infection control. It supports early detection, monitoring of progress, and prevention of complications that can harm vital organs or compromise restorative procedures.
4. What are the common pathogens tested for?
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Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia are often referred to as the “red complex” bacteria and are considered high-risk pathogens.
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Eubacterium nucleatum, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, Peptostreptococcus micros, and Eikenella corrodens are moderate-risk pathogens.
5. What are the symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease?
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Red, swollen, or tender gums.
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Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing.
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Receding gums (teeth may appear longer).
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Loose teeth or gaps between teeth.
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Persistent bad breath.
6. How often should I be tested?
This depends on the severity of your periodontal disease and your individual risk factors. Your periodontist will determine the appropriate testing frequency based on your specific situation.
Retesting at 4-6 weeks or 90 days after intervention may be appropriate.
7. What comes in my supply kit?
Each kit includes:
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Saliva collection tubes
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Biohazard bags for each specimen
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FedEx clinical bags for return shipping
8. How do I package my return kits?
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Place each specimen into a biohazard bag with the requisition form.
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Then, place the biohazard bag in a rigid box (optional, but encouraged).
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We encourage you to batch specimens and send multiple at once whenever possible.
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Then insert the box or biohazard bag into a FedEx Lab Pack/Clinical Bag.
9. How do I return my collected specimens?
Drop off your FedEx Lab Pack/ Clinical Bag at any FedEx location or arrange a FedEx pickup (if available in your area). We recommend batch shipping specimens each week. This will help reduce shipping costs while ensuring timely processing.
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Packages shipped on Friday will arrive Monday or Tuesday.
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Saturday delivery is not available due to logistics.
10. How long are specimens stable after collection?
Specimens are stable for 28 days at ambient temperature, so batching weekly is acceptable.
11. How do I order more supplies?
You can order more supply kits by contacting your Sales Executive or calling our Customer Experience team at 985-580-9703.
12. How quickly will we receive results?
Our turnaround time is 48 hours after receipt in the laboratory. For specimens received on a Friday, results may not be provided until the following Monday.
13. How do I locate results?
All results can be found in your Stratus portal. For more information on how to access your portal, please contact our Customer Experience team at 985-580-9703.
14. How does the billing process work?
When onboarding with Impetus, your Sales Executive will ask you to complete a New Clinic Form and a Credit Card Authorization Form. Your credit card information will be collected securely using the Clover application.
Your card will be charged upfront for the number of specimens purchased, and supplies will be shipped accordingly. For future orders, charges will be processed at the time of order fulfillment using the card on file.
For any questions around the payment process, please contact your Sales Executive or our Customer Experience Team at 985-580-9703.
15. How much does the test cost?
Reach out to your Sales Executive for pricing.
16. Does insurance cover this testing?
No, this test is not covered by insurance.
17. Who do we contact if we have any questions or concerns?
For any questions or concerns, please contact your Sales Executive or our Customer Experience team at 985-580-9703.
PREVENTION IS POWERFUL
Gum disease is both preventable and treatable, especially when caught early. Regular dental checkups, professional cleanings, and advanced testing allow us to stay one step ahead of potential problems.
Taking care of your oral health today isn’t just about protecting your teeth—it’s an investment in your long-term wellness. Because a healthier mouth really does mean a healthier you.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Multiple Sclerosis
Alzheimer's Disease
Fatty Liver Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cancer
Heart Disease / Attack
Kidney Disease
Stroke
CONTACT US
Impetus Diagnostics
985-580-9703
4752 Highway 311, Suite 112
Houma, LA 70360
