2.5. Treatment Procedures
tooth, tooth brushing
SUBGINGIVAL PLAQUE, PLAQUE
Each patient was assigned to one of the three treatment groups according to computer-generated randomization: group GelcidePeriodontal treatment was performed, including oral hygiene instruction and supragingival ultrasonic instrumentation, by the person designated as the operator. Standard oral health instructions were recommended: tooth brushing, either with manual or powered toothbrushes, minimum 2 min twice per day, interdental cleaning with interdental brushes. Instructions were personalized according to the patient’s need to obtain the best plaque control. No antiseptics were recommended. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 4 tooth sites at baseline and 6 months (after supragingival ultrasonic instrumentation, at 7 days). Supra and subgingival SI by ultrasound and manual instrumentation were performed at all sites: ultrasound instruments in 10 min, followed by manual SI with Gracey curettes; #5/6; 7/8; 11/12; 13/14; instrumentation was followed by subgingival gel application, depending on the patient’s group.For patients assigned to group A (test), GELCIDEPatients from all groups were instructed to gently brush and refrain from flossing for the first 36 h following treatment in treated area. After 36 h, oral hygiene procedures were resumed: gentle brushing of the application area was performed twice a day and removal of interdental plaque once a day. The timeline of the treatment is represented in 