Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Systemic Antibiotic Adjunct to Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

ObjectivesConsidering the importance of patient-centered care, we aimed to evaluate the impact of systemic antibiotics on oral health-related quality of life during nonsurgical periodontal treatment. This controlled trial addresses a gap in understanding how systemic antibiotics influence patient-reported outcomes, focusing on Stage III periodontitis.Materials and MethodsSixty-one adults participated in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, with participants divided into two groups: the test group, which received antibiotics, and the control group. All the participants received nonsurgical periodontal treatment. We conducted follow-up assessments at one and 3 months posttreatment, including recording clinical parameters and administering the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire.ResultsThe results showed a notable improvement in the quality of life for patients in the test group compared to the control group at 1 month (p value = 0.012) and 3 months (p value = 0.014) after treatment. While there were improvements in pocket probing depth, gingival index, and clinical attachment loss in both groups, it is worth noting that only bleeding on probing exhibited a significant improvement in the test group after 3 months compared to the control group (p value = 0.008).ConclusionsIn summary, incorporating systemic antibiotics alongside nonsurgical periodontal treatments appears to bring about positive outcomes for individuals dealing with Stage III periodontitis during nonsurgical treatment, ultimately enhancing their oral health-related quality of life.Trial RegistrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT Id): IRCT20201221049786N1.