The Immune Response after Periodontal Treatment (IRaPT)

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The systemic immune response after ultrasonic scaling versus hand scaling periodontal treatment: A randomised clinical trial (IRAPT)

• IRAS ID

  240004

• Contact name

  Shauna Culshaw

• Sponsor organisation

  NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

• Duration of Study in the UK

  4 years, 0 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  Severe gum disease affects 8-15% of people, and causes difficulty eating, poor appearance, reduced quality of life, and is responsible for a substantial dental care costs. Gum disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment for gum disease includes cleaning below the gum margin by a dentist or hygienist. The dentist/hygienist can use hand instruments or ‘ultrasonic’ instruments. After a few weeks the gum should heal. The healing is the same whether hand instruments or ultrasonics instruments are used. The choice of instrument depends on dentist/hygienist preference and instrument availability. The treatment causes the immune system to respond for a few days, which might be as a response to bacteria entering the blood stream during treatment. This study aims to the treat of gum disease using either hand instruments or ultrasonic scaler, and measure how the immune system reacts. In patients with illness such as cardiovascular disease it may be preferable to avoid excessive stimulation of the immune system and minimize bacteria entry to the blood stream. Patients with gum disease (who are otherwise healthy) requiring gum disease treatment at Glasgow Dental Hospital will be invited to take part. We will provide detailed instructions in tooth brushing. Then, we will provide thorough cleaning below the gums. Before and after treatment we will take a small blood sample, saliva and dental plaque from the patient. We will review the gum response seven days after treatment and take samples again. Three months after treatment we will assess gum healing and take samples. This treatment schedule is standard of care, with the exception of an extra visit 24 hours after treatment for sample collection. We seek to identify whether hand or ultrasonic instruments have a different effect on the immune response.

• REC name

  HSC REC A

• REC reference

  18/NI/0059

• Date of REC Opinion

  13 Mar 2018

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion