This study evaluates the effect of menstrual cycle phases on pain perception and dental anxiety during non-surgical periodontal therapy in premenopausal women with Stage II and III periodontitis. Pain and anxiety levels were assessed using VAS and DAS scales in perimenstrual and postmenstrual phases. Periodontal treatment outcomes were also recorded before and after therapy.
This study investigated the influence of menstrual cycle phases on pain perception and anxiety levels during non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in systemically healthy premenopausal women diagnosed with Stage II and III periodontitis. A total of 36 participants were included. Clinical periodontal parameters, including probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BoP), were recorded before and after NSPT. Pain perception was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and dental anxiety was evaluated using the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). NSPT was performed without local anesthesia using a split-mouth design. Outcomes were compared between perimenstrual and postmenstrual phases.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
36
Standard non-surgical periodontal therapy including scaling and root planing performed without local anesthesia.
Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology
Trabzon, Trabzon, Turkey (Türkiye)
Pain perception
Pain perception during non-surgical periodontal therapy assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; score range: 0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain intensity, across menstrual cycle phases.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of each treatment session (session duration was not fixed and varied according to the extent of treatment required)
Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety during non-surgical periodontal therapy was assessed using the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS; score range: 4-20). The scale consists of four questions related to different dental treatment situations, each with five response options of increasing intensity. Participants were asked to select the response that best reflected their level of anxiety. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety levels, across menstrual cycle phases.
Time frame: Immediately after completion of each treatment session (session duration was not fixed and varied according to the extent of treatment required)
Probing Pocket Depth (PPD)
PPD was measured in millimeters at six sites per tooth using a periodontal probe, and mean values were calculated per participant.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and 6 weeks after completion of non-surgical periodontal therapy
Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)
CAL was measured in millimeters at six sites per tooth using a periodontal probe, and mean values were calculated per participant.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and 6 weeks after completion of non-surgical periodontal therapy
Gingival Index (GI)
GI was assessed at four sites per tooth to evaluate gingival inflammation, and mean scores were calculated per participant.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and 6 weeks after completion of non-surgical periodontal therapy
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Plaque Index (PI)
PI was assessed at four sites per tooth to evaluate plaque accumulation, and mean scores were calculated per participant.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and 6 weeks after completion of non-surgical periodontal therapy
Bleeding on Probing (BoP)
BoP was recorded as the percentage of sites showing bleeding within 10 seconds after probing.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and 6 weeks after completion of non-surgical periodontal therapy