Gosh, hope I can answer all these questions BeBold. I'll try. First, yes I think it did help to talk about my fears of going to the periodontist. My history with the profession was not a good one. It was a lot of years ago and with a different practice. Things change, right? As far as helping OLP--NO they were not saying my dental care caused the OLP but I knew going in that keeping your teeth and gums as clean as possible helps in keeping OLP in check. There was no discussion on saving my teeth but I think we can put two and two together. For me, when my gums get tender from the OLP I back off what is necessary to keep my gums and teeth clean. It just hurts!! I was going for cleanings twice a year in the past but then I was going 3 times a year and just this past year I decided to go every 3 months. I'll alternate between the regular dental office and the periodontist. I'm willing to do what I can to save what teeth I have left. The periodontist goal is to get the OLP under control and see if there is a way he can do 3 implants to hold a full upper denture in place. I've been told by oral surgeon as well as my reg. dentist that my bones and gums are not strong enough to wear an upper denture. I've been using an Oral B (less expensive one) toothbrush with soft bristle heads for many years. The periodontist included, along with the instruction, an Oral B (3 speed) electric toothbrush. I could not believe how much better it was for me. I was able to brush longer without pain. Overall, I'm very encouraged. Before I forget, he started me on Dexamethasone rinse to use four times a day from the first visit a few months ago. Swish, spit and rinse out with water. It seems to be helping somewhat. Yes, there was a cost for instruction and I don't know of anything that I had not heard before. It did bring it fresh to my mind though. Hope I covered everything. Thanks for your response. These conversations mean we care about each other. It means a lot.