Tooth Loss in 100 Treated Patients With Periodontal Disease: A Long‐Term Study

TLDR

A cohort of 100 periodontal patients, average age 43.8, followed for ≥15 years after treatment, was examined and classified into Well‑Maintained, Downhill, or Extreme Downhill groups based on therapy response and tooth‑loss patterns, with detailed assessment of loss patterns, questionable teeth, furcations, therapy type, and prosthesis use. During the maintenance period, 259 of 2,627 teeth (9.8 %) were lost to periodontal disease and 40 (1.5 %) to other causes, with marked variation among response groups and a bilaterally symmetrical pattern showing greatest loss of maxillary second molars and least of mandibular cuspids.

Abstract

A population of 100 patients with periodontal disease who had been treated and maintained for 15 years or longer was studied for tooth loss. The patients averaged 43.8 years of age and consisted of 59 females and 41 males. Patients were examined and their dental records were reviewed. On the basis of response to therapy and tooth loss, the patients were classified as Well-Maintained (77), Downhill (15), or Extreme Downhill (8). At the completion of initial treatment, 2,627 teeth were present. Of this number, during the maintenance period, 259 teeth (9.8%) were lost due to periodontal disease, while 40 teeth (1.5%) were lost due to other causes. Evaluation was made as to patterns of tooth loss, loss of questionable teeth, loss of teeth with furcations, surgical vs. nonsurgical therapy, and presence of fixed or removable prostheses. Considerable variation occurred between response groups. Periodontal disease appears to be bilaterally symmetrical and tooth loss response emulated this pattern with greatest loss of maxillary second molars and least loss of mandibular cuspids.