Ultrasonic scaling therapy in advanced periodontitis. IV. A long-term study over six years

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of clinical trials of ultrasonic scaling performed solely by a periodontist. A total of 51 individuals (27 males and 24 females) ranging in age from 21 to 61 years with moderate to advanced periodontitis were investigated following baseline assessments included gingival index (GI), plaque index (PlI), probing pocket depths (PPDs), and probing attachment levels (PALs). The individuals were subjected to active supra- and subgingival ultrasonic scaling by a periodontist alone following meticulous oral hygiene instruction. The results revealed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction of mean GI and PlI scores. In addition, a significant and sustained reduction of mean PPDs (p < 0.001) as well as significant sustained gain of mean PALs (p < 0.001) with initial PPDs of 4-6 mm and > or = 7 were greater than those sites with initial PPDs of 1-3 mm at each time interval. Basically, there exists a greater reduction of mean PPDs and greater gain of mean PALs on the buccal and lingual sites than those on the mesial and distal sites at each time interval.