Impact of Bruxism on Outcome of Subgingival Instrumentation for Management of Stage II/III Periodontitis

Bruxism, a parafunctional habit, has been found to be associated with various oral health problems. This study explores the impact of bruxism on the outcomes of periodontal therapy.

A total of 58 patients, stage II/stage III periodontitis (29 bruxers and 29 non-bruxers), were recruited in this interventional study. The BruxScreen questionnaire was employed for diagnosing probable bruxers. Periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and tooth mobility, were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for intragroup data analysis at sites with PPD stratification, i.e., ≤ 3, 4, 5, and ≥ 6 mm and interproximal/buccal-lingual sites. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparison in nonparametric variables.

Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all periodontal parameters post-treatment (p < 0.05). However, non-bruxers exhibited greater reductions in PPD and greater CAL gain across all PPD categories (p < 0.05).

The scope of bruxism-associated forces within the adaptive range of attachment apparatus affecting outcomes of subgingival instrumentation negatively cannot be ruled out.