Effects of psychosocial stress on non-surgical periodontal treatment

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of psychocial stress on the outcome of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NPT). Materials and Methods: Forty participants with chronic periodontitis were treated. Clinical parameters were recorded and inflammatory markers (IL-1b, IL-6 and IL-10) were analyzed from gingival crevicular fluid. Stress markers (chromogranin-A, cortisol, a-amylase) were measured from saliva. The patients were categorized as 'stressed' or 'unstressed according to their stress status. All clinical and biological parameters were recorded before and at 1-month after NPT. Results: All the clinical parameters and salivary stress marker levels were significantly higher in the stressed group. Among the inflammatory markers, only IL-1 beta level was significantly different between groups. The effects of stress was statistically significant for the clinical and biological parameters, with poorer response to treatment in the stressed group. Conclusion: Patients under psychosocial stress had a poorer outcome following non-surgical periodontal treatment. New treatment protocols can be created by providing psychological support to individuals with periodontal disease.