Periodontitis stage and grade modifies the benefit of regular supportive periodontal care in terms of need for retreatment and mean cumulative cost.
(Journal of Clinical Periodontology; doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13909)
Muhammad H. A. Saleh, Ann Decker, Andrea Ravidà, Hom-lay Wang, Maurizio Tonetti
After active gum treatment, follow-up visits aim to maintain health and identify areas needing further care. This study examined who required additional procedures over many years and how treatment costs varied.
Researchers reviewed records of 442 patients treated at a US dental school, with an average follow-up of about twenty-three years. They considered initial disease severity, estimated progression risk, smoking, diabetes, attendance and later dental procedures.
People with more advanced disease were more likely to need surgery during maintenance and generally accumulated higher costs. Diabetes and smoking were also associated with later surgery. However, further treatment was not inevitable: some people in every disease category required no additional procedures after their initial course. The study reflects both disease patterns and clinicians’ treatment decisions.
Needing another course of treatment does not automatically mean the original care failed. Periodontitis requires ongoing reassessment, and needs can change with time. A starting stage or grade can help plan care, but cannot predict every future appointment or cost. The prices came from a particular US setting and do not describe what you would pay locally. A personalised maintenance plan can be reviewed as your health and circumstances change.
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
