Influence of chosen Anesthesia on Treatment Outcome in Periodontal-Patients

Objective: To measure the treatment outcome regarding probing depths and clinical attachment level (CAL) after scaling and root-planing (SRP) with local anesthesia gel (Oraqix®, Dentsply DeTrey) vs. local anesthesia with injection.

The change of probing depths and CAL were primary endpoints.

Secondary endpoint was to evaluate the patients` preference of local anesthesia after therapy. Adverse effects were documented.

Methods: 38 patients with periodontitis and good general health were included in a randomised, single-blind, split-mouth, cross-over clinical trial. Probing depths and CAL were recorded with Florida Probe® at baseline and 6 weeks after treatment. Performed treatment procedures were scaling and root planing under two types of local anesthesia in two appointments. Type of anesthesia for first appointment was randomized and switched for second appointment. Subsequently, questionnaires were to be completed by participants for assessing patients` acceptance.

Results: No difference in change of probing depths and CAL related to the chosen anesthesia was found (p>0.05). In retrospect 60% of the patients favored the gel over the injection.

Conclusion: The chosen anesthesia showed no influence on the periodontal treatment outcome. In conclusion Oraqix®-gel might therefore be a suitable alternative for conventional local anesthesia in non-surgical periodontal therapy.