Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as an Adjunct to SRP with Conventional SRP: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of "omega-3 fatty acids" as an auxiliary to "scaling and root planing (SRP)" with traditional "scaling and root planing" in periodontal treatment in humans.

Materials and methods: This study is a randomized control trial and was carried out over a period of 3 months (registered on 02/07/2023). Thirty patients were singled out according to the inclusion criteria, each having periodontitis (Stage II Grade B), and were arbitrarily distributed into two groups (control and test). The test group was treated with "scaling and root planing" along with the adjunctive application of "omega-3 fatty acids" while the control group was treated with "scaling and root planing" alone. Monthly follow-up was carried out over 90 days. Clinical parameters such as pocket probing depth (PPD), gingival index (GI), bleeding index (BI), and plaque index (PI) were measured respectively at baseline and 3 months. The data was recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results: The soft tissue architecture remained stable. The mean full mouth plaque index (FMPI) score was statistically significant (p < 0.001) when the control group was compared to the test group with a mean difference of 0.12 ± 0.02. The mean full mouth papillary bleeding index (FMPBI) score decreased at 3 months and was statistically significant compared to baseline with a mean difference of 0.24 ± 0.04 (p < 0.001). When the test group was compared with the control group, the FMGI was not significant (p = 0.02), with a mean difference of 0.16 ± 0.19. The PPD was not significant (p =1) when comparing both the groups, with a mean difference of 0 ± 0.66. Although the clinical parameters were statistically significant at 3 months when compared to baseline in both the groups, the FMGI and PPD were not significant.

Conclusion: The combined action of using omega-3 fatty acid as an auxiliary to conventional scaling and root planing improved the periodontal parameters including both the soft and hard tissue outcomes.

Clinical significance: The present study indicated that supplementary usage of omega-3 fatty acids is more beneficial for treating chronic and mild periodontitis than scaling and root planing alone. Omega-3 fatty acids can be used as energy for our cells, reduce the risk of blood clotting, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and reduce inflammation. Host modulatory therapy (HMT) with omega-3 fatty acids aims at reducing inflammation. With HMT as an adjunct, a better result of periodontal therapy was expected. It enhanced the positive effects on periodontal parameters and both the soft and hard tissue outcomes. How to cite this article: Salian S, Dhadse PV, Patil R, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as an Adjunct to SRP with Conventional SRP: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):440-444.