Perception Of Patients Regarding Dental Scaling Reporting to Periodontology Department of Khyber College of Dentistry; A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: In periodontology, clinical dental procedures such as scaling and polishing are performed with the intention of improving dental aesthetics and averting periodontal diseases. No previous research has examined the general public's perception of the effects of scaling. The purpose of the study was to debunk beliefs about tooth mobility and post-scaling sensitivity, as well as the idea that dental scaling is solely done to whiten teeth.

Objective: To assess how patients feel about the consequences of decreasing their reporting to the periodontology department.

Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients visiting to Periodontology department of Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was adopted. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results: According to the results, 41.1% (158) participants were females and 58.9% (226) were males. About 56.8% (218) of the participants had received scaling once in their life.  42.2% (162) got scaling done for teeth whitening, 20.6% (79) were advised scaling by their dentists before any procedure (braces, filing), 25.0% (96) to reduce bleeding gums, and 12.2% (47) to arrest gum inflammation. About 50.0% (192) participants were scared before getting scaling done, 62.8% (241) individuals experienced pain and sensitivity during the procedure, 67.2% (258) experienced sensitivity after getting scaling done, and for most of them, this sensitivity was relieved within a week after treatment. Like 46.6% (179) of patients were informed by their dentist that sensitivity is a normal part of recovery and 62.2% (239) patients found the treatment beneficial and only 37.8% (145) marked it harmful. Lastly 62.8% (241) of patients said that they would recommend scaling to others due to its beneficial effects.

Conclusion: The majority of patients had either good or moderate understanding of dental scaling, according to the results. It is often known that dentists can contribute to the advancement of dental scaling knowledge. Patients should be made aware of the goals of dental scaling by dentists.

Keywords: Scaling and polishing, Periodontology, mobility, sensitivity, and bleeding.