Periodontal Risk Assessment Model in a Sample of Regular and Irregular Compliers Under Maintenance Therapy: A 3-Year Prospective Study

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of the periodontal risk assessment (PRA) model with the recurrence of periodontitis and tooth loss during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT). Methods: In a prospective PMT program, 75 regular complier (RC) and 89 erratic complier (EC) patients were selected. A periodontal examination and PRA were performed after active periodontal therapy and after 3 years of PMT. Risk profiles (low, moderate, or high) of participants were evaluated, and the recurrence of periodontitis and tooth loss were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: RCs showed less recurrence of periodontitis and tooth loss than ECs (P<0.05). Rates of periodontitis recurrence in RCs and ECs were 2.7% and 3.4%, respectively, for the moderate-risk profile and 6.7% and 11.2%, respectively, for the high-risk profile. During PMT, 49 teeth (0.65 +/- 1.4 teeth per participant) were lost in the RC group, and 70 teeth (0.78 +/- 2.1 teeth per participant) were lost in the EC group. High-risk profile participants showed more recurrence of periodontitis and lost significantly more teeth than did participants with moderate- or low-risk profiles in RC and EC groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: The risk profile influenced the recurrence of periodontitis and tooth loss. RCs had less recurrence of periodontitis and less tooth loss. The PRA model can be useful in particularizing the risk of patients and adjusting recall intervals. J Periodontol 2012;83:292-300.