Effect of Periodontitis Treatment on Quality of Life and Experiences of Fear, Anxiety and Pain

Most randomized controlled clinical trials regarding the effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment have focused on objective parameters. Their effects on patient-centered variables have been received very little attention. After determining clinical therapeutic efficacy, this study compared over 6 months the effects of two different forms of non-surgical periodontal therapy - scaling and root planing per quadrant (SRP) and one-stage full-mouth disinfection (FMD) - on scores of quality of life, fear, anxiety and pain of moderate chronic periodontitis. Initially, the sample size was calculated considering protocols' clinical efficacy. Specifically for the present study it was verified if the initial sample size would be enough for analysis of the subjective variables.

Patients registered in dental care centers from University of Taubate, Taubate - Sao Paulo, Brazil and Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais, Brazil were informed about the objectives and methods of the study, being consecutively included in the study only after signing an informed consent form. Selected participants were randomly allocated to one of the treatment groups by a closed envelope system. According to the designated group, participants receive either conventional quadrant scaling in four weekly sections or full-mouth scaling within 24 hours.

Two experienced trained periodontists carried out debridement procedures of both protocols with manual Gracey and McCall curettes and Hirschfield files.

Specific validated instruments were used to evaluate subjective variables. Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) and Oral Health and Quality of Life (OHQoL-UK) measured quality of life while Dental Fear Survey (DFS), Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) questionnaires and, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measured experienced fear, anxiety and pain, respectively.

Inclusion criteria

• mild to moderate chronic periodontitis
• smokers or non-smokers
• at least 18 natural teeth

Exclusion criteria

• regular use or use in the previous 3 months of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs
• regular use (twice a day) of mouthwashes
• sensitivity or allergy to oral hygiene products
• patients undergoing periodontal therapy including dental scaling and root planing procedures in the 12 months preceding the start of the study
• bifurcation or trifurcation class III lesions
• the need for antibiotic prophylaxis for periodontal clinical examination/treatment
• removable partial dentures, fixed or removable orthodontic devices
• pregnancy and lactation
• medical or psychological disorder that could affect the ability of the questionnaires' understanding