Pocket closure and residual pockets after non-surgical periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim To analyse the efficacy of non-surgical therapy (NST) in terms of pocket closure (PC) and changes in percentage and number of pockets. Materials and Methods Three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus) were searched up to January 2020. Prospective studies with a minimum follow-up of 12 months and presenting data in terms of PC or number or percentage of pocket depths (PDs) before and after NST on systemically healthy patients were included. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed. Results After screening 4610 titles and abstracts, 27 studies were included. Of these, 63.9% of PC was reported by one study. The percentage of PDs <= 3 mm changed from 39.06% to 64.11% with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 26.14% (p < .001). This accounted for a relative increase of healthy sites of 64.13%. The mean percentage of PD >= 5 mm was 28.23% and 11.71% before and after treatment, respectively, with a WMD of 15.50% (p < .001). The WMD in the number of PDs >= 5 mm before and after treatment was 24.42 (p = .036). The mean number of residual PPD >= 5 after NST was 14.13. Conclusions NST is able to eradicate the majority of the pockets. However, residual pockets after NST may remain and should be considered cautiously for further treatment planning.

Automated summary

The study found that non-surgical therapy is effective in treating patients with oral health issues, with the majority of pockets being effectively eradicated, but residual pockets may require further treatment.