This single-center, split-mouth, randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Minimally Invasive Non-Surgical Therapy (MINST) as an adjunct to conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with Stage III/IV periodontitis. Twenty-three systemically healthy adults presenting with bilateral molar teeth exhibiting periodontal pockets ≥5 mm with bleeding on probing will be enrolled. In each participant, molar teeth will be randomly allocated to receive either conventional subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) using ultrasonic instruments alone (control) or conventional SRP followed by MINST using Mini-Five Gracey curettes under magnification loupes (test). Clinical periodontal parameters, including Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), will be evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. The study will investigate whether MINST provides superior clinical outcomes compared with conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 35 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18 to 35 years.
* Diagnosed with Stage III or Stage IV periodontitis.
* Systemically healthy.
* Presence of at least two bilateral molar teeth with probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP).
* At least 20 remaining teeth.
* Radiographic evidence of periodontal bone loss.
* Non-smokers and non-users of tobacco or alcohol.
* Not pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Not receiving medications known to affect periodontal healing.
* Willing and able to provide written informed consent and comply with study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Individuals who do not meet the inclusion criteria.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Presence of systemic diseases or medical conditions affecting periodontal status or healing.
* Current use of medications that may influence periodontal healing.
* Current smokers or users of tobacco or alcohol.
* Individuals unwilling or unable to provide informed consent.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.