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Pain Perception and Psychoemotional Responses Across Different Scaling Technologies: A Comparative Pilot Clinical
Nelsi Carmina Turturica1, Mindra E Badea1, Vlad I Bocanet2
1Department of Preventive Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Dentistry Journal
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Periodontal scaling pain is mainly due to the patient's condition and distress, not the ultrasonic device. While one device slightly reduced affective pain, patient-centered care and psychosocial screening are key for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Pain Management
- Psychological Distress
Background:
- Scaling is crucial for non-surgical periodontal therapy but often causes discomfort, especially in periodontitis patients.
- Psychological distress can intensify pain perception and decrease treatment adherence.
- This study investigates ultrasonic technology's impact on pain and psychoemotional status, considering periodontal condition and psychological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient-reported pain and psychoemotional status during ultrasonic scaling using two different devices.
- To quantify the influence of periodontal status and baseline psychological factors on pain perception.
- To assess the immediate psychoemotional effects of the scaling procedure.
Main Methods:
- A split-mouth pilot study included 42 adults (21 with periodontitis, 21 healthy).
- Maxillary scaling used Device nr.1, mandibular scaling used Device nr.2, without anesthesia.
- Pain was assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ); psychological status via Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES).
Main Results:
- Overall pain was low; affective pain was modestly lower with the 'No Pain' device.
- Periodontal status was the primary determinant of pain, significantly increasing both sensory and affective scores.
- Somatic distress correlated with affective pain; K10 scores decreased and RSES values increased post-session.
Conclusions:
- Pain perception during scaling is predominantly influenced by periodontal status and psychological distress, not solely by ultrasonic technology.
- While specific device features may slightly reduce affective pain, atraumatic techniques and psychosocial screening are vital for patient comfort.
- Observed short-term improvements in distress and self-esteem highlight the value of integrating patient-reported outcomes into periodontal care.
