Periodontal Treatment and Well-being: a qualitative study

Abstract

Periodontal disease is one of the main causes of dental loss, causing functional and aesthetics problems, affecting patient’s well-being and self esteem. Self perception of patients who could freach periodontal health through a correct treatment has not been referred. This investigation, held with six patients who had aggressive periodontal disease, by means of a half-structured questionnaire, evaluated their vision in every stage of the periodontal treatment, since the first contact with the periodontologist with the discovery of the disease, until the returning sessions for the periodontal support therapy (PST). As from the discourse analysis, emerged three empirical categories: the search for therapy, the well-being before treatment and the well-being after the periodontal treatment. In the phase of PST for aggressive periodontal disease, we could observe that each patient has a different personal concept of well-being and that there was an improvement after the disease control. To perceive that there is a relation between the treatment’s success and a sensation of satisfaction can bring to the dentist a new vision on approaching the patients who wish for the re-establishment of their oral health.