Self-perception of patients after periodontal treatment: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the perceptions of subjects regarding nonsurgical periodontal treatment over a period of 1 year. Settings and Design: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, in a longitudinal observational design. Methods: Nineteen subjects (47.24 ± 6.47 years) with moderate to severe periodontitis completed a questionnaire at two different times after a nonsurgical periodontal treatment: 30 (T1) and 390 days (T2). The questionnaire with 40 items was divided into three domains: 1-perception of changes in clinical signs of periodontal disease, 2-psychological aspects of the subject regarding their oral health status, and 3-satisfaction with the treatment. Statistical analysis: Each response on the Likert scale initially showed scores ranging from 1 to 5 points. The results for each question were dichotomized into 1 or 0, respectively, showing if the subject was favorable or unfavorable to treatment. A descriptive data analysis was performed, assessing the agreement of the results in T1 and T2 (Kappa). Results: The results generally showed a favorable perception related to the treatment and continued satisfaction over time. The exceptions were in regards to gingival recession, persistent bleeding and bad breath, and difficulty in performing the mechanical control imposed by the professional. Conclusion: It was concluded that the therapy used was satisfactory to the subjects and that a favorable perception was maintained after 1 year of follow-up.

Keywords

• Perception
• periodontitis
• quality of life
• questionnaires