Effects of periodontal disease prediction system on oral hygiene motivation in patients with periodontitis: a prospective randomized controlled clinical study.

AIM

The aim of this study is to enhance and maintain individual patients' oral hygiene motivation using a computer-based visualization program entitled as Periodontal Disease Prediction (PDP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: (a) conventional method group (CM, n = 40), (b) Three-dimensional animation (3DA, n = 40), and (c) PDP interaction (n = 40). A total of 120 patients (60 females, 60 males; aged 30-60 years) diagnosed with Stage III Grade B periodontitis and poor oral hygiene (OHI-S > 3) were included. Baseline data of all patients including probing depth (PD), papillary bleeding index (PBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), Rustogi modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) were recorded, and all patients received the necessary scaling and root planing. All groups were examined periodontally at 3, 6, and 12 months after initial periodontal treatment.

RESULTS

At all evaluated time periods, PDP group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in PBI and RMNPI, particularly associated with interproximal surface cleaning, compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). In contrast, the 3DA and CM groups showed no significant differences between them (p > 0.05). Furthermore, PDP group showed significantly greater reduction in BOP compared to the other groups, but this was only observed at the 3-month reevaluation. There were no significant differences among the groups regarding PD and pocket closure (PD ≥ 4 mm %) (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Informing patients about their probable periodontal breakdown using the PDP system, which simulates their individual condition, can enhance their oral hygiene motivation, particularly in maintaining effective interface cleaning. This approach may also help reduce the risk of periodontal disease recurrence.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Background: Periodontal disease is prevalent and often recurs due to inadequate oral hygiene. This study assesses the effectiveness of a computer-based Periodontal Disease Prediction (PDP) system in motivating patients to improve their oral hygiene. Added Value of this Study: The PDP system provides personalized 3D visualizations of potential gingival recession, boosting patient engagement and encouraging more effective interproximal cleaning. By visualizing future oral health outcomes, it significantly motivates patients to adopt better hygiene practices.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

PDP can be integrated into routine dental practice to enhance patient adherence to oral hygiene, thereby reducing the risk of periodontal disease recurrence. This method offers a more engaging, individualized approach to oral health education, leading to improved long-term periodontal outcomes.