Graduation Date

Summer 8-12-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Programs

Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences

First Advisor

Amy C. Killeen DDS, MS

Second Advisor

Richard A. Reinhardt DDS, PhD

Third Advisor

Peter J. Giannini DDS, MS

Fourth Advisor

Gregory G. Oakley PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this 6-week, single blinded, randomized clinical trial was to determine if the localized use of an interproximal brush in conjunction with a Bluetooth monitoring device is effective in reducing probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), and improving clinical attachment level (CAL) in persistent 5-7 mm posterior periodontal pockets in patients receiving periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) compared to an oral irrigator or interproximal brush alone. Seventy-six patients with a diagnosis of generalized periodontitis Stage III-IV, Grade B periodontitis presenting with a 5-7 mm posterior interproximal PD and a history of bleeding on probing (BOP) were randomly allocated to one of three groups: 1) interproximal brush alone (IBA; n=26), 2) interproximal brush with Brushlink® device (BL; n=23), or oral irrigator (WP; n=27). Specific instructions on use were given for their assigned oral hygiene modality at the test site once daily, for 6 weeks. Clinical measurements were collected at baseline and 6 weeks. A significant improvement in PD and CAL was seen in all three groups at the experimental site (p < 0.0001), but there was no significant difference among the groups. A significant improvement in PI was seen at the experimental site in both brush groups (p < 0.01), but not in the oral irrigator group. Overall, all groups produced improved clinical parameters of PD, PI, and CAL scores over time. The addition of the Brushlink® daily tracking device did not significantly improve clinical parameters compared to the IBA and WP groups.

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