Title: Evaluation of periodontal healing in patients with stage 3 and 4 periodontitis: Long term multivariate analysis
Abstract:
Periodontitis is a chronic, multifactorial, inflammatory infectious disease caused by specific bacteria; it involves chronic inflammation that leads to the destruction of the tooth-supporting apparatus and tooth loss. It is also associated with systemic diseases that can be severe in some cases. The host response to the presence of bacteria triggers clinical symptoms such as periodontal pockets, bleeding on probing, gingival recession, increased tooth mobility, pain, and loss of function. The latest clinical guidelines from the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) emphasize that the primary goal of periodontal therapy is to control inflammation by eliminating bacterial biofilms and hard deposits—such as plaque and calculus—which are key factors in periodontal disease. This is achieved through professional mechanical instrumentation using manual or ultrasonic instruments. A patient-centered approach that takes into account both oral and systemic factors represents the current gold standard in periodontal treatment. Following periodontal treatment, personalized supportive periodontal care is essential to prevent disease progression. This study presents a 10-year longitudinal, retrospective evaluation of periodontal treatment in patients diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 periodontal disease, focusing on current non-surgical therapy options and incorporating a treatment method introduced in recent years known as BGT (Biofilm-Guided Therapy). The variables studied and presented here include: periodontal healing achieved via the various methods employed such as probing depth, attachment gain and bleeding on probing, progression of tooth loss, bone attachment gain, evolution of furcation lesions (specifically grades 2 and 3), time spent on each disinfection method and patient acceptance and personal feedback regarding each therapeutic option. The BGT protocol proved effective in several aspects of treating the periodontal diseases under study.
