The Effects of Subgingival Air-polishing, as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment on Periodontal Parameters and Patient Satisfaction in Patients With Periodontitis

The Effects of Subgingival Air-polishing, as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment on Periodontal Parameters and Patient Satisfaction in Patients With Periodontitis

The Effects of Subgingival Air-polishing, as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment on Periodontal Parameters and Patient Satisfaction in Patients With Periodontitis: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Periodontal disease is serious and global chronic disease. The prevalence of periodontal diseases in United Arab Emirates is not clear but data from Dubai Health Authority showed that one in five patients has received periodontal treatment in recent years. Several studies reported the additional benefits provided by the use of air-polishing devices in combination with ultrasonic debridement in the treatment of gum disease, their use may reduce postoperative pain and discomfort while providing improvement in gum status. The aim of the study is to compare the effect of removing bacterial deposit (biofilm) from deep tooth pocket using combined air-polishing and conventional pocket debridement versus conventional pocket debridement alone on tooth supporting tissue parameters in patients with advanced gum disease (periodontitis). Methodology: A total of 22 patients with advanced gum disease will be randomly allocated to two groups: a control group, which will receive conventional pocket debridement and a test group which will receive ultrasonic debridement with air-polishing (Airflow Prophylaxis Master, EMS, Nyon, Switzerland). Gum measurements will be recorded by a masked calibrated examiner at six points for each tooth and patients' postoperative experience and satisfaction will be assessed using special forms.

Use of air-polishing and ultrasonic device (Airflow Prophylaxis Master, EMS, Nyon, Switzerland) to remove plaque and calculus from the surface of the roots of teeth.

The plaque score is calculated by expressing as a percentage the number of surfaces harbouring plaque related to the total number of tooth surfaces.

The bleeding score is calculated by expressing as a percentage the number of sites that bleed upon probing in relation to the total number of tooth sites.

PPD is the depth from the free gingival margin to the base of the sulcus and it is measured in millimeters at several locations around the whole circumference of the tooth.

CAL is calculated from a fixed reference point (cementoenamel junction or CEJ), and it is computed by calculating the distance from the CEJ to the base of the pocket in millimeters.

Number of sites with PPDs ≥ 6 mm. PPD is the depth from the free gingival margin to the base of the sulcus and it is measured in millimeters at several locations around the whole circumference of the tooth.

Percentages of sites with PPDs ≥ 6 mm. PPD is the depth from the free gingival margin to the base of the sulcus and it is measured in millimeters at several locations around the whole circumference of the tooth.

Patient-related outcomes (pain) will be measured using visual analogue scale Minimum score 0 Maximum score 10 Higher score indicates worse outcome

Patient-related outcomes (swelling) will be measured using visual analogue scale Minimum score 0 Maximum score 10 Higher score indicates worse outcome

Patient-related outcomes (bleeding) will be measured using visual analogue scale Minimum score 0 Maximum score 10 Higher score indicates worse outcome

Patient-related outcomes (bruising) will be measured using visual analogue scale Minimum score 0 Maximum score 10 Higher score indicates worse outcome

Patient-related outcomes (root sensitivity) will be measured using visual analogue scale Minimum score 0 Maximum score 10 Higher score indicates worse outcome

Patient's quality of life will be evaluated using general oral health assessment index (GOHAI). The GOHAI has 12 negatively and positively worded items evaluating three dimensions of oral health related quality of life (physical function, pain or discomfort and psychosocial function). The score ranged from 0 to 60. The scores are maintained for the three items "able to swallow comfortably", able to eat without discomfort", "pleased with look of teeth", and reversed for the remaining nine items, so that a higher score was associated with a more positive oral health.

Inclusion Criteria: Aged 18 or over. Diagnosed with unstable generalised periodontitis, stage III-IV and grade B or C. Good compliance and commitment to attend follow-up review appointments. Absence of systemic disease that will may affect the treatment outcome. Willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Received periodontal treatment in the last 12 months. Received systemic anti-inflammatory or antibiotic in the last 6 months or during the study period. Use of medication known to affect the gingival growth. Chronic bronchitis. Asthma. Participants that require prophylactic antibiotic. Pregnant or breastfeeding participants