Impact of Periodontal Therapy on AF Recurrence Post-Ablation in High-Inflammatory Burden Patients

"Under local anesthesia, full-mouth debridement (supragingival and subgingival scaling and root planing, FM-SRP) was performed by an experienced periodontist, initiated within 48 hours post-atrial fibrillation ablation and completed in two sessions within 48 hours. Polishing was performed using a rubber cup with prophylaxis paste. The procedure utilized Gracey curettes and piezoelectric ultrasonic tips combined with a force-controlled system.~Postoperative Care Immediate Care: Local Adjunctive Therapy: 2% minocycline gel was injected into deep periodontal pockets (PD ≥5mm). Antimicrobial Rinse: 0.12% chlorhexidine solution (15 mL, 30-second rinse twice daily) for 14 days.~Follow-Up Intervention At the 6-month follow-up, additional oral debridement was performed in the intervention group if indicated by the presence of bleeding points and/or increased probing pocket depth (PPD)."

All study participants received oral hygiene instruction using the modified Bass technique. At baseline, supragingival deposits (dental plaque and calculus) were removed with an ultrasonic scaler or rubber cup with prophylaxis paste. To maintain blinding, simulated subgingival instrumentation sounds were played during the procedure for control group participants.