Periodontal patients pose a unique challenge to the dental team. Tooth loss, increased mobility, and attachment loss complicate ways to maintain and rehabilitate a patient’s oral health and function. As more materials and treatment modalities come to market, it is increasingly difficult for providers to discern what is most appropriate for each patient. Salivary testing, antibiotic therapy, specialized hand and power instruments, and laser therapy may benefit some forms of periodontal and peri-implant disease but are less effective for others. Understanding the limitations of these trends and the role of systemic health can positively impact the periodontal-restorative interface and minimize how certain inflammatory conditions contribute to the rate of disease progression. Identifying the right materials and techniques for each patient will improve periodontal parameters, treatment satisfaction, and most importantly, quality of life.