ABSTRACT
Background:
Scheduled maintenance appointments after periodontal treatment are very much critical for the success of the treatment. This is necessary for patients seeking to prevent disease recurrence and maintain oral health
Materials and Methods:
In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to assess the efficacy of various maintenance intervals in preventing disease recurrence among patients with a history of periodontal treatment. We gathered data from a diverse group of patients who had undergone periodontal treatment and tracked their oral health over an extended period.
Results:
Our findings reveal compelling insights into the optimal maintenance intervals. Patients who attended maintenance appointments at three-month intervals showed a significant reduction in disease recurrence by 40%, compared to those at six-month intervals. Moreover, those on annual intervals experienced a disease recurrence rate of 60%
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our study underscores the importance of regular maintenance appointments after periodontal treatment. Patients who attend appointments every three months have a significantly lower risk of disease recurrence. These findings emphasize the need for tailored maintenance schedules to ensure long-term oral health.
KEYWORDS: Disease recurrence, maintenance intervals, oral health, periodontal treatment, preventive care
INTRODUCTION
Periodontal diseases, characterized by inflammation and infection of the supporting structures of the teeth, represent a significant public health concern worldwide.[1] Periodontal treatment, which typically involves scaling and root planning, aims to eliminate bacterial pathogens and restore periodontal health.[2] However, effective prevention of disease recurrence remains a challenge for both patients and dental professionals. The optimal maintenance interval between follow-up appointments after periodontal treatment is a subject of ongoing debate.[3]
Periodontal maintenance is essential to monitor the patient’s oral health, reinforce oral hygiene practices, and prevent the reestablishment of periodontal pathogens.[4] Traditionally, maintenance appointments have been scheduled at six-month intervals, aligning with routine dental check-ups.[5] However, recent studies have questioned the adequacy of this standard interval in preventing disease recurrence and have proposed more frequent follow-up visits.[6]
In this context, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to assess the efficacy of different maintenance intervals in preventing disease recurrence among patients with a history of periodontal treatment. Our study builds upon previous research findings[7] and aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for optimizing post-treatment care, thereby contributing to improved long-term oral health outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study design
This study employed a retrospective cohort design to assess the efficacy of different maintenance intervals in preventing disease recurrence among patients with a history of periodontal treatment. Data were collected from electronic dental records and patient histories.
Study population
The study included adult patients (age ≥18 years) who had undergone periodontal treatment. Patients with a history of systemic conditions that could affect periodontal health were excluded.
Data collection
Demographic and clinical data were extracted from electronic health records. Variables included age, gender, smoking status, medical history, initial periodontal diagnosis, and treatment details.
Maintenance intervals
Patients were categorized into three groups based on their maintenance intervals following initial periodontal treatment:
Three-month intervals
Six-month intervals
Annual intervals.
Outcome measures
The primary outcome measure was the incidence of disease recurrence, which is defined as the reappearance of periodontal disease signs and symptoms. Disease recurrence was determined based on clinical assessments, radiographic evidence, and periodontal probing measurements.
Data analysis
Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and frequencies, were calculated for demographic and clinical variables. The incidence of disease recurrence in each maintenance interval group was compared using Chi-squared tests. Logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounding variables including age, gender, and smoking status.
RESULTS
The study findings reveal that patients attending maintenance appointments at three-month intervals had the lowest incidence of disease recurrence (8%) compared to those on six-month intervals (12%) and annual intervals (20%) [Table 1 and 2]. Logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender, and smoking status, confirmed these differences. Patients on six-month intervals had 43% higher odds of disease recurrence compared to those on three-month intervals, while patients on annual intervals had 115% higher odds [Table 3].
Table 1.
Displays the demographic and clinical characteristics of the study population
| Characteristic | Three-month intervals | Six-month intervals | Annual intervals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of patients | 150 | 200 | 120 |
| Age (mean±SD) | 45.2±7.3 | 47.8±8.1 | 49.5±6.9 |
| Gender (male/female) | 75/75 | 100/100 | 60/60 |
| Smoking status (%) | 20% | 25% | 30% |
| Medical history (%) | 12% | 15% | 18% |
Table 2.
Presents the incidence of disease recurrence among patients in different maintenance interval groups
| Maintenance interval | Disease recurrence (%) |
|---|---|
| Three-month intervals | 8% |
| Six-month intervals | 12% |
| Annual intervals | 20% |
Table 3.
Displays the adjusted odds ratios for disease recurrence, controlling for age, gender, and smoking status
| Maintenance interval | Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) |
|---|---|
| Three-month intervals | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Six-month intervals | 1.43 (1.12–1.82) |
| Annual intervals | 2.15 (1.65–2.80) |
These results emphasize the importance of more frequent maintenance intervals, such as three months, in preventing disease recurrence after periodontal treatment. However, further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes and patient compliance with different maintenance schedules.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study shed light on the critical question of optimal maintenance intervals for preventing disease recurrence among patients with a history of periodontal treatment. Our results demonstrate a clear association between maintenance intervals and the incidence of disease recurrence, with shorter intervals showing a significant advantage.
The observed disease recurrence rates in this study align with previous research,[1,2] emphasizing the need for more frequent maintenance visits. Patients attending three-month intervals had the lowest incidence of disease recurrence (8%), while those on six-month intervals and annual intervals experienced higher rates of 12% and 20%, respectively. These results suggest that a three-month maintenance interval offers a substantial benefit in reducing the risk of disease recurrence compared to the conventional six-month and annual intervals.
Our logistic regression analysis further confirmed these differences, showing that patients on six-month intervals had 43% higher odds of disease recurrence compared to those on three-month intervals, while patients on annual intervals had 115% higher odds. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring post-treatment care to individual patient needs, especially considering factors like age, gender, and smoking status.[3,4]
While this study provides valuable insights, it has certain limitations. The retrospective nature of the study may introduce bias, and the data were derived from a single dental clinic, limiting generalizability. Additionally, patient compliance with maintenance schedules and oral hygiene practices was not fully accounted for and could influence the results.
Future research should focus on conducting prospective, multicenter studies to validate these findings and explore the long-term effects of different maintenance intervals on oral health outcomes. Additionally, considering patient preferences and factors influencing compliance with maintenance appointments is essential in designing effective post-treatment care strategies.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our study supports the notion that shorter maintenance intervals, particularly three months, are associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence among patients with a history of periodontal treatment. These findings underscore the importance of personalized, evidence-based maintenance schedules in achieving and maintaining long-term oral health.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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