2023 Volume 65 Issue 2 Pages 58-68
I report a case of a patient with Stage IV Grade C extensive chronic periodontitis who was reluctant to undergo treatment due to fear of dentists.
The patient was a 55-year-old male who visited our clinic with complaints of gingival swelling, bleeding during brushing, and tooth movement of his right upper molar. Clinical examination showed the following: gingival redness and swelling of the gums; bleeding on probing (BOP): 85.3%; periodontal pocket probing depth (PD): over 4 mm in 58.3% and over 6 mm in 7.7% of teeth; O'Leary's plaque control record (PCR): 85.6%. X-rays showed horizontal bone loss in all alveolar bones.
During the initial medical interview, the patient informed us that he had experienced dental trauma in the past and that he did not wish to undergo treatment using infiltration anesthesia. We explained the results of the examination and thoroughly educated the patient about the necessity of treatment and the importance of oral cleaning.
As the treatment progressed, the patient's thoughts about dental treatment changed for the better as he realized the benefits of the treatment, and he became more proactive in participating in the treatment himself, leading to stabilization of his condition, without the need for periodontal surgery.
