Prognostic value of a simplified method for periodontal risk assessment during supportive periodontal therapy

Aim: To evaluate the association between risk scores generated with a simplified method for periodontal risk assessment (Perio Risk), and tooth loss as well as bone loss during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). MATERIALS & METHODS: Data related to 109 patients (42 males; mean age: 42.2 ± 10.2 years, range 22-62) enrolled in a SPT programme for a mean period of 5.6 years were retrospectively obtained at two specialist periodontal clinics. Patients were stratified according to Perio Risk score (on a scale from 1 - low risk to 5 - high risk) as calculated at the end of active periodontal therapy. Risk groups were compared for tooth loss as well as the changes in radiographic bone levels occurred during SPT. RESULTS: The mean number of teeth lost per patient during SPT varied from 0 to 1.8 ± 2.5 for patients with a risk score of 1 and 5 respectively (p = 0.041). Mean radiographic bone loss during SPT was ≤0.5 mm in all risk groups, without significant inter-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal risk assessment according to Perio Risk may help to identify patients at risk for tooth loss during SPT.