Relative Percentage Change; a Possible New Metrics in Assessing Scaling and Root Planing Therapy Outcome in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

Many studies have reported the application and benefits of scaling and root planning (SRP) therapy in improving clinical and biochemical oxidative stress (OS) markers in patients with chronic periodontitis. This chapter aims to determine and quantify relative percentage change in chronic periodontitis patients and propose this as a new metric in assessing SRP therapy outcomes. Individuals with generalized chronic periodontitis (CAL 3mm American Academy of Periodontology 1999 criteria) were clinically (Gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level) evaluated. Their systemic biochemical OS markers (TAOC, MDA) were determined. The SRP therapy was performed on them and a follow-up was done after 3 months. The results of this study demonstrated that the SRP therapy was beneficial in significantly improving (p < 0.05) both clinical and biochemical parameters from their corresponding pre-treatment values. The relative percentage change in clinical parameters ranged between 14.5% to 38.7%, and those of TAOC and MDA were -10.3% and 34.71% respectively. Further, the relative % change in TAOC and MDA showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) to those of PI, PD, and CAL. Also, the relative percentage change may be used as a possible quantifiable tool for the assessment of SRP therapy outcomes.