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

Summary: Can systemic antibiotics improve quality of life during periodontal treatment? A study found they did enhance patient-reported outcomes in Stage III periodontitis. #Periodontology #OralHealth

Parhizkar P¹ ; Yaghini J¹ ; Fakheran O²
Source: Clinical and Experimental Dental Research Published:2025

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. © 2025 The Author(s). Clinical and Experimental Dental Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.