Relative influence of scaling and root planing and occlusal adjustment on sulcular fluid flow

The aim of the investigation was to clarify the effects of the resolving of inflammation on one hand and the removal of occlusal trauma on the other hand on the rate of sulcular fluid flow (SFF) from deep periodontal pockets. Forty-seven adult patients having at least one tooth with an inflamed greater than 5 mm periodontal pocket and elevated mobility associated with occlusal trauma were selected for the study. After oral hygiene instruction and supragingival scaling, the rate of sulcular fluid flow of the test teeth was recorded on Day 0. After the baseline recording, each patient was randomly assigned to either Group A or Group B. The test teeth of Group A were subjected to subgingival scaling and root planing under local anesthesia, and the test teeth of Group B were subjected to occlusal adjustment. On Day 14 sulcular fluid flow was recorded for both groups, after which Group A received occlusal adjustment and group B received scaling and root planing. On Day 28 the sulcular fluid flow recordings were repeated for both groups. The mean flow rates of both Group A and Group B decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) from Day 0 to Day 28. When the occlusal interference was eliminated 2 weeks after scaling and root planing (Group A), no additional decrease in sulcular fluid flow was observed. When the occlusal interference was eliminated before scaling and root planing (Group B), the reduction in sulcular fluid flow remained statistically insignificant through the first 2-week observation period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)