Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues due to bacterial infection in subgingival plaque. One of the main therapies in periodontitis management is Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), a non-surgical procedure aimed at removing plaque, calculus, and endotoxins from root surfaces.
SRP aims not only to mechanically clean but also to reduce local inflammatory responses, improve tissue attachment, and prevent further progression of periodontal tissue destruction. This procedure is often the first-line treatment, either alone or combined with adjuvant therapy such as antibiotics.
SRP and the Periodontal Immune Response
The effectiveness of scaling and root planing can be evaluated through clinical changes (such as reduced pocket depth and improved tissue attachment) as well as biological indicators, including leukocyte count in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF).
The study referenced in this article examined the local immune response by measuring leukocyte types in GCF as a periodontal inflammation parameter before and after SRP treatment, with and without oral ciprofloxacin.
Recent Research
A study conducted by FKG UGM student Ika Andriani, supervised by Prof. Dr. drg. H. Sudibyo, SU., Sp.Perio (K), concluded that leukocyte counts in gingival crevicular fluid decreased after scaling and root planing, both with and without oral ciprofloxacin. This indicates that SRP is effective in reducing periodontal inflammation by decreasing bacterial load and lowering the local immune response.
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Scaling and Root Planing has been proven effective as a basic therapy to control periodontitis by reducing inflammation and improving periodontal status. Research findings show a significant reduction in GCF leukocyte counts after SRP treatment, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing local inflammation. Thus, SRP remains the first and primary choice in periodontitis management before considering additional therapies.
References
Ika Andriani, Prof. Dr. drg. H. Sudibyo, SU., Sp.Perio (K), Effectiveness of Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) With and Without Oral Ciprofloxacin in Periodontitis Patients Based on Leukocyte Count in Gingival Crevicular Fluid, https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/50832
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Editor: drg. Aulia Ayub, Sp.Ort
Photo: Freepik
