Full-mouth disinfection (Fdis) completes the entire scaling and root planing (SRP) in one stage within 24 hours for the prevention of microbial recolonization from untreated sites and ecological niches. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical short-term effects of modified Fdis with those of the conventional SRP in the therapy of moderate and severe chronic periodontitis. Modified Fdis group (5 patients) received the entire SRP within 24 hours using chlorhexidine solution (0.1%) and conventional SRP group (5 patients) received SRP per quadrant at one-week intervals. Clinical parameters were measured at baseline, one month and three months after both therapies.

The results of this case report were as follows:

There were considerable decreases in sulcus bleeding index and plaque index one month after Fdis.

The mean probing depth of single-rooted teeth decreased more in Fdis group than conventional SRP group after therapy and, that of multi-rooted teeth decreased similarly in both groups.

The mean probing depth decreased 1.77mm in case of initial probing depth of 4-6mm and it decreased 4.13mm in case of initial probing depth of ≥ or = 7mm three months after Fdis.

There were the smaller increases in gingival recession together with the larger gains in attachment in Fdis group than conventional SRP group after three months.

Within the limitations of this study, one could conclude that Fdis has beneficial clinical effects in the treatment of moderate and severe chronic periodontitis and further research would be helpful including more subjects during a longer period to confirm the beneficial long-term effects of Fdis.