Retrospective study of tooth loss in 92 treated periodontal patients

Background/Aims: In this retrospective study, the efficacy of periodontal therapy and maintenance in preventing tooth loss was evaluated. Methods: The study included 92 patients with 2310 teeth diagnosed with chronic adult periodontitis and observed over a mean period of 6.7 years, with each patient receiving surgical therapy in two or more quadrants. The group was divided into two subgroups: those who complied with the recommended maintenance schedule and those whose compliance was erratic. Individual tooth prognosis was assigned according to radiographic parameters. Results: At the completion of active periodontal therapy, 2184 teeth were present. During the maintenance period, 44 teeth were lost due to periodontal reasons. Tooth mortality revealed a mean annual adjusted tooth loss rate of 0.07/year. Molars were the teeth most frequently lost; canines the least. The number of teeth lost in the three prognostic categories was: one (0.07%) for teeth with good prognoses, 21 (3.63%) for questionable prognoses and 22 (11.34%) for hopeless prognoses. Patients complying erratically with supportive periodontal therapy were at a 5.6 times greater risk for tooth loss following active therapy than regularly compliant patients. Conclusions: The results demonstrated a low tooth mortality rate in periodontal patients following active treatment combined with a strict maintenance program. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2002.