Evaluation of Full-Mouth Non-Surgical Modalities for the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease-causing destruction of the supporting tissues of teeth. Conventional treatment involves quadrant-wise scaling and root planning (Q-SRP). Alternative approaches like full-mouth scaling (FMS), full-mouth disinfection (FMD), and FMD with air-polishing (FMDAP) have been introduced to enhance outcomes.

In this randomized study, 220 patients with Stage III chronic periodontitis were allocated into four groups-Q-SRP, FMS, FMD, and FMDAP. Clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level) were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Statistical comparisons were performed using ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test.

All groups showed significant intra-group improvements in clinical parameters at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.001). Inter-group analysis revealed no baseline differences, but significant improvements in FMD and FMDAP groups at follow-ups (P < 0.001), with FMDAP showing the greatest overall benefit.

All four treatment strategies were effective; however, FMDAP provided superior clinical improvements in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), with the added advantage of reduced treatment time compared to Q-SRP.