Patient‐Reported Outcomes Following Systemic Antibiotic Adjunct to Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives Considering the importance of patient‐centered care, we aimed to evaluate the impact of systemic antibiotics on oral health–related quality of life during nonsurgical periodontal treatment. This controlled trial addresses a gap in understanding how systemic antibiotics influence patient‐reported outcomes, focusing on Stage III periodontitis. Materials and Methods Sixty‐one adults participated in a double‐blind, randomized clinical trial, with participants divided into two groups: the test group, which received antibiotics, and the control group. All the participants received nonsurgical periodontal treatment. We conducted follow‐up assessments at one and 3 months posttreatment, including recording clinical parameters and administering the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) questionnaire. Results The results showed a notable improvement in the quality of life for patients in the test group compared to the control group at 1 month (p value = 0.012) and 3 months (p value = 0.014) after treatment. While there were improvements in pocket probing depth, gingival index, and clinical attachment loss in both groups, it is worth noting that only bleeding on probing exhibited a significant improvement in the test group after 3 months compared to the control group (p value = 0.008). Conclusions In summary, incorporating systemic antibiotics alongside nonsurgical periodontal treatments appears to bring about positive outcomes for individuals dealing with Stage III periodontitis during nonsurgical treatment, ultimately enhancing their oral health‐related quality of life. Trial Registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT Id): IRCT20201221049786N1.

Keywords

• antibiotic
• health‐related quality of life (HRQOL)
• periodontitis