Tooth loss in periodontally compromised patients: Results 20 years after active periodontal therapy
(Journal of Clinical Periodontology; doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13010)
Bernadette Pretzl, Shirin El Sayed, Dorothea Weber, Peter Eickholz, Amelie Bäumer
Long-term studies help patients understand what may be possible after periodontal treatment. This study followed people for about twenty years and examined tooth retention alongside health and attendance factors.
Seventy patients were re-examined at a German university hospital after active treatment and ongoing care. Researchers recorded tooth loss, smoking, medical history and maintenance attendance. Thirty of the earlier participants were unavailable at the final assessment.
About 88% of teeth present after active treatment were retained. More than a quarter of patients lost no teeth. Regular maintenance was associated with fewer lost teeth, while smoking and some other characteristics were associated with more. The small diabetes subgroup does not provide a reliable basis for estimating diabetes-specific tooth loss.
The reassuring finding is that many teeth can remain useful for decades after treatment. It is not a guarantee, and outcomes among people available for follow-up may be more favourable than those of everyone initially treated. Tooth loss included all reasons, not only gum disease. An individual’s outlook needs to be assessed from their current dental condition and health rather than inferred from an uncertain diabetes subgroup.
Thirty participants from the earlier group were unavailable for the final examination. Following people over time helps researchers study the order of events, but it does not remove all uncertainty. People with different health or dental histories may also differ in medicines, smoking, access to care and other influences. Some participants may be missing from later assessments. Statistical adjustments cannot fully account for everything. The results describe patterns in the people studied, not a personal forecast. They should be considered alongside other research and your own clinical findings when discussing their relevance to you.
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Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
