Tooth loss in treated periodontitis patients responsible for their supportive care arrangements.

Aim: To identify risk indicators associated with tooth loss and periodontitis in treated patients responsible for arranging supportive periodontal care (SPC).

Materials And Methods: Ninety-seven Chinese subjects (34-77 years) who showed favourable responses to periodontal therapy provided in a teaching hospital 5-12 years previously were recalled. They were advised to seek regular SPC on discharge. Background information, general health status, smoking, oral hygiene habits, follow-up dental care, tooth loss, and periodontal parameters were investigated. Multiple regression analysis was performed.

Results: Two hundred and fifty-six teeth had been lost, 195 because of self-reported periodontal reasons. Up to 26.8% sites were with pockets > or =6 mm. Positive correlations were found between total/periodontal tooth loss and (i) smoking pack-years, (ii) time spent on oral hygiene, (iii) years since therapy's conclusion, (iv) age, and negative correlations with (v) inter-dental brush use, and (vi) education levels. Tooth loss by arch was correlated with wearing of removable partial denture in that arch. Percentage sites with pockets > or =6 mm were significantly negatively correlated with percentage sites without bleeding on probing.

Conclusions: Smokers, more elderly patients, removable partial denture wearers, and patients with lower education levels or not using inter-dental brushes ought to be targeted for clinic-based SPC.