Glycine powder air-polishing as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of subgingival glycine powder air-polishing (GPAP) as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis. Methods: 19 non-smoking subjects with chronic periodontitis having at least two pockets in two quadrants ≥ 5mm. Periodontal parameters were recorded, including bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volumes were recorded at the two deepest pocket sites in different quadrants. The subjects then received oral hygiene instruction, scaling and root planing. At the end of the treatment, one quadrant was randomly assigned as the test sites receiving GPAP and the other quadrant served as control sites receiving water and air flushing. Subjects were recalled one month after the treatment for reevaluation. Results: At baseline, no statistical difference in PD and BOP was found between the test and control sites. At one month recall, PD decreased significantly at both test and control sites, from 5.93mm to 3.62mm (p< 0.001) at the test sites and from 5.82mm to 3.39mm (p< 0.001) at the control sites. No significant difference was found between the test and control sites. GCF volume decreased from 124.26 unit to 89.92 unit at the test sites and from 118.21 to 94.42 at the control sites. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that although GPAP has no additional effects on non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis on a short-term basis, further longitudinal study is highly warranted. Supported by the Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong.