Endoscopic Re‐Instrumentation of Intrabony Defect–Associated Deep Residual Periodontal Pockets Is Non‐Inferior to Papilla Preservation Flap Surgery: A Randomized Trial

Background and AimClinical practice guidelines suggest access flap surgery for managing deep residual pockets after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy. Papilla‐preservation flap surgery (PPFS) is the least invasive approach to access and instrument biofilm‐contaminated root surfaces. Endoscopic‐assisted subgingival debridement (EASD) may enhance the outcomes of repeated instrumentation and provide a minimally invasive non‐surgical alternative.MethodsThis was a single‐blind, controlled, randomized, parallel‐group, non‐inferiority 12‐month trial comparing EASD with PPFS. Male and female adults with generalized stage III periodontitis and persistent periodontal pockets associated with an intrabony defect after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy were recruited at Prince Philip Dental Hospital. Inter‐group differences in clinical attachment level (CAL) changes at 12 months were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included pocket resolution (no pocket > 5 mm and no pocket > 4 with bleeding on probing), radiographic bone changes, treatment time, early wound healing and quality‐of‐life measurements.ResultsSixty‐two subjects (30 EASD and 32 PPFS) were included in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. CAL gains were 2.0 ± 1.0 and 1.8 ± 1.0 mm for test and controls, respectively. The 95% CI of the inter‐group difference was −0.3 to 0.8 mm and within the stipulated 1‐mm non‐inferiority margin. No inter‐group differences were observed (i) in pocket resolution, which was achieved in more than 87% of cases for all groups/time points, and (ii) in radiographic bone healing. The treatment time was significantly shorter for EASD than for PPFS. Better early wound healing index scores were observed for EASD. No inter‐group differences in pain, quality of life or safety were detected.ConclusionsEASD was not inferior to PPFS for managing residual pockets associated with intrabony defects. The observed outcome profile supports additional developments and studies to validate EASD as an alternative to surgery for isolated persistent pockets (ChiCTR‐INR‐16008407).