Impact of compliance during periodontal maintenance therapy on oral health-related quality of life: A 6-year follow-up

Objective: To evaluate the effects of compliance during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) in the oral impact on daily performance (OIDP) measures, as well as to determine and compare the periodontal condition of acceptable and irregular compliers. Material and methods: From a 6-year prospective cohort study with 268 individuals under PMT, 232 individuals had complete periodontal clinical data and OIDP questionnaires completed between T1 (data was recorded after the first PMT appointment) and T2 (final data at the last PMT appointment), were determined to be eligible. Individuals were divided into two groups: 124 acceptable compliers (AC) and 108 irregular compliers (IC). Full-mouth periodontal examination and questionnaires were evaluated in 2 times, at T1 and T2. Results: At T2, the periodontal status of the AC group was significantly better than the IC group. The IC group also presented with higher OIDP scores (63.31 +/- 19.11) compared to the AC group (57.72 +/- 15.30, p = 0.005). On analyzing the OIDP dimensions independently, both groups (AC and IC) presented with high scores in the functional, psychological and social performances; however, the impacts were significantly higher in IC group. Conclusion: The AC group presented with better periodontal conditions and lower OIDP, compared to the IC group. The discomfort and dissatisfaction with appearance, showed more influence on these daily impacts. Clinical significance: Acceptable compliers showed lower scores of OIDP when compared to erratic ones. Thus, clinicians could take the chance to gain advantage from the positive impacts of acceptable compliance in the OHRQL for subsequent patient-centred motivation during PMT.