İsmail TEKBAŞ, Abdulsamet TANIK, Yasin ÇİÇEK
Journal of Dental Sciences and Education - 2026;4(2):44-50
Aims: This study investigated the impact of initial non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on clinical periodontal status and deep periodontal pocket burden (DPPB) in individuals with periodontitis, with a focus on how baseline disease severity relates to treatment response. Methods: Clinical data from 38 patients treated for periodontitis at the Periodontology Clinic of Adıyaman University were analyzed retrospectively. Periodontal measurements were recorded at baseline and at a 6-8-week follow-up. Evaluated parameters included probing pocket depth (PPD), Plaque Index, and Gingival Index. DPPB was quantified as both the number and percentage of sites with PPD>=5 mm. Results: At the post-treatment evaluation, all periodontal parameters indicated a clear shift toward improved clinical conditions (p<0.001). Mean and maximum probing depths were lower compared to baseline values, accompanied by a marked decrease in both the number and proportion of deep periodontal pockets. Improvements were also evident in plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation scores. Moreover, higher baseline pocket burden was associated with greater reductions in probing depth (r=0.681, p<0.001). Conclusion: NSPT was associated with notable clinical recovery and a reduction in inflammatory burden. Assessing DPPB may enhance the evaluation of treatment response and support clinical decision-making for further periodontal management.
