Efficacy of Subgingival Erythritol Air Polishing in Treatment of Periodontal Pockets

Periodontitis is an inflammation associated with destruction of the periodontium that ultimately, if not treated, leads to tooth loss. Clinically, it is characterized by clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) accompanied by increased probing pocket depth (PPD) and/or gingival recession. The standard periodontitis treatment aims to restore the homeostasis of the immune system by mechanically reducing the microbial load to levels that are compatible with stability and health. This is achieved by professional mechanical biofilm control and motivation of the patient for oral hygiene measures in order to control the biofilm and avoid disease recurrence. Conventional scaling and root planing (SRP), and air polishing therapy are tools used for professional biofilm control. More recently, air-polishing devices have become a promising alternative to conventional SRP in reducing the clinical time and causing less discomfort and pain for the patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of subgingival erythritol air polishing for initial periodontal pocket healing.