Effectiveness of Full‐Mouth and Partial‐Mouth Scaling and Root Planing in Treating Chronic Periodontitis in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

Background: This study evaluated the clinical and metabolic effects of full‐mouth scaling and root planing (FMSRP) compared to partial‐mouth scaling and root planing (PMSRP) in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis, and it assessed the impact of the glycemic status on the clinical and metabolic response to periodontal therapy. Methods: In this clinical trial, 18 subjects with diabetes received FMSRP in a maximum of 24 hours, and 18 subjects received PMSRP in a maximum of 21 days. Visible plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing, suppuration, probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were obtained at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post‐therapy. Baseline HbA1c values ≥9% and <9% defined subjects with poorly and better‐controlled diabetes, respectively. Results: All clinical parameters improved after therapy ( P <0.05). No significant differences were observed between treatment groups for clinical and metabolic parameters at any time ( P >0.05). There were no changes in the HbA1c levels after therapy ( P >0.05). No subject reported any adverse effects during the study. Individuals with better‐controlled diabetes achieved a lower mean CAL at 6 months post‐therapy, when FMSRP and PMSRP were evaluated together ( P <0.05). Conclusions: FMSRP and PMSRP were equally effective in treating chronic periodontitis in subjects with type 2 diabetes, without significant improvements in the glycemic control at 3 and 6 months. Considering the periodontal therapy as a whole (FMSRP plus PMSRP), subjects with better‐controlled diabetes exhibited a benefit in CAL at 6 months compared to subjects with poorly controlled disease.