Effect of Periodontal Therapy on Clinical Parameters and P.gingivalis Profile

Objective: To investigate the effect of Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) as compared to Oral hygiene instructions (OHI) alone on the periodontal parameters and the profile of P.gingivalis in adults with moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis. Method: Thirty-four systemically healthy, age and gender matched adults with at least 5 sites with probing pocket depth (PPD) of ≥5mm were randomly allocated into either SRP (n=17) or OHI alone (n-=17) groups. Visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and periodontal attachment level (PAL) were recorded at baseline, 2nd months and 3rd months follow up. Pooled subgingival plaque samples (from sites with PPD ≥ 5mm) were taken at baseline and 3 months visit. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) was used to determine the presence and levels of P. gingivalis at baseline and 3 months follow up. Result: Thirty-two subjects (17 test and 15 control groups) completed the study. Both SRP and OHI produced significant improvement (p<0.05) in VPI, GBI and mean PAL at 2 and 3 months post therapy. In addition, SRP lead to significant improvement in mean PPD at 2 and 3 months post operation (p=0.03) and significant reduction in frequency of detection (FOD) of P.gingivalis (p<0.001)  at 3 months post therapy. Intergroup comparisons demonstrated significant different in GBI (p=0.016) in favour of SRP at 3 months follow up visit. Conclusion: SRP resulted in improvements in VPI, GBI, PPD & PAL as well as P.gingivalis profile  3 months post therapy. OHI alone was able to produce significant improvements in VPI, GBI and PAL at 3 months follow up.