Pocket-X Gel Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy

Clinical and Microbiological Effects of a Thermal-Gel Device in Periodontal Treatment: Diabetic vs Non-Diabetic Patients

Evaluate from a clinical and microbiological point of view the effect of an adjunctive therapy based on a thermal-gelling device Pocket-X® Gel (Hyaluronic acid, Poloxamer, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Octedine HCL, Water), in the non-surgical treatment of periodontal defects, in a population of patients with T2DM compared to non-diabetic patients.

Determine whether periodontal defect healing is clinically and microbiologically different between T2DM patients and non-diabetic patients; whether periodontal treatment and maintenance can lead to improvement of conditions and stability over time also for diabetic conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients normally eligible for the visit and for the non-surgical type of treatment for periodontal defects:

• patients with an age between 18 and 80;
• patients with: (i) Asa status I (no functional impairment due to pathologies), (ii) patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with: glycated hemoglobin level HbA1c between 6.5 and 8.0%, on dietary therapy and/or with hypoglycemic drugs in regular follow-up at the diabetes service;
• patients with chronic periodontitis stage 3 or 4, according to the new classification of periodontal diseases [Tonetti et al.]), verified clinically and radiographically: patients will be selected with interdental clinical attachment level (CAL) at the site of greatest loss ≥3 mm to ≥2 non-adjacent teeth, probing depth (PPD) ≥5 mm, bleeding on probing (BoP) and horizontal and/or vertical radiographic bone loss.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients not eligible for the non-surgical type of treatment for periodontal defects:

  • patients with a positive history of diseases with functional impairment (ASA status 2,3,4) or severe handicaps that could limit the ability to attend appointments;
  • patients with uncontrolled/poorly controlled DM at the time of study selection (e.g. type 1 diabetes mellitus and secondary forms of diabetes); patients with uncontrolled and serious diabetic complications (cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and nervous);
  • poor compliance with treatment, with poor oral hygiene and motivation;
  • not signing informed consent by patients.