Predictors of long-term outcomes in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance

Aim: This retrospective study aimed to characterize the baseline status of patients following periodontal maintenance, analysing the association between the long-term outcome of these patients, smoking, bruxism, and the main clinical and radiographic variables. Material and methods: A sample of 174 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis was refined into homogeneous subsamples according to smoking and bruxism and the rate of tooth loss due to periodontal disease (TLPD): 0, 1-2, and >2 teeth. The association and the distribution (x(2) test) of the variables within the subsamples were analysed. Results: Smoking and bruxism were significantly associated with higher TLPD rates. Vertical and circumferential bone defects (p < .0001), and abfractions (p < .0001) were associated with bruxism and particularly with bruxism and TLPD >2. Furcation defects (p = .0002), fewer radio-opaque subgingival calculus (x(2) p < .0001), a lower mean Gingival index (x(2) p = .027), and increased mean recessions >1.5 mm (x(2) p = .0026) were associated with smoking and higher TLPD rates. The mean baseline mobility, abfractions, and recessions characterized two basic types of TLPD. Conclusions: Smoking, bruxism, and routine clinical and radiological parameters can be used to characterize the baseline status of patients with worse outcomes.