Use of Oraqix® in individuals with desquamative gingivitis undergoing non-surgical periodontal treatment

INTERVENTION: The study was a split‐mouth, examiner‐blinded, randomized, and controlled study. Randomization was performed using a computer‐generated randomization sequence. Allocation was concealed using sealed, opaque envelopes that were opened at the time of treatment to assign the intervention to each side of the mouth in this split‐mouth study design. All procedures were carried out by a qualified dental hygienist in a single sitting (PC). The questionnaire administration and data entry were conducted by another researcher (MC). The intrapocket anaesthesia gel (Oraqix®; Dentsply International, York, PA, USA) was applied prior to NSPT. Oraqix® contains lidocaine and prilocaine (25 mg g‐1 each) in a thermosetting agent. The anaesthesia gel is fluid at room temperature and increases its viscosity after application in the gingival sulcus. Each patient served as their own control: one side (test) received Oraqix®, while the contralateral side (control) received placebo. The test agent was applied using a blunt‐tipped applicator in a 1.7 ml cartridge (˜ 42.5 mg of each anaesthetic); the placebo consisted of liquid paraffin, used in equivalent volume and mode of application. After applying a latex‐free cheek and lip retractor (OptraGate®), Oraqix® or a placebo was applied on the designated sides. The gel was left in situ for 30 seconds before starting instrumentation. Periodontal debridement was performed using a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler (EMS Piezon®) with a standard insert. CONDITION: Autoimmune desquamative gingivitis. ; Oral Health PRIMARY OUTCOME: Pain perception measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with a numeric scale (0=no pain, 100=worst pain ever reported), and by the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) (0=no pain, 1=mild pain, 2=moderate pain, 3=severe pain, 4=unbearable) at Immediately and after 3 days of surgery INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients included were of both sexes, aged over 18 years, with the following characteristics: 1. Presence of desquamative gingivitis, associated with Oral Lichen Planus, Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid, or Pemphigus Vulgaris 2. Confirmed histopathologic and immunofluorescence diagnosis 3. At least four teeth per hemiarch