Long-term stability in vertical bone defects
We are all too familiar with this scenario: after the active phase of treatment, nearly all the patient’s teeth show no signs of increased pocket probing depths. However, there remain one or two spots where the treatment goal has not been fully achieved. This may lead to the thought, “How bad can it be? A single pocket of 6 or 7 mm – surely that can’t make a big difference?”
Dentists should not be quick to feel satisfied with residual pocket probing depths. Even individual residual pocket probing depths greater than 4 mm pose a problem, at least in the long term, for both the affected tooth and the overall dentition.
Data from a Swiss study, which monitored approximately 170 patients in maintenance therapy over an average of 11 years, highlighted the issue with individual residual pocket probing depths:
– Residual pocket probing depths of 6 mm or more were identified as a risk factor for a decline in general periodontal health and tooth loss.
– Multiple residual pocket probing depths of 5 mm or more also posed a risk to general periodontal health.
– Bleeding on probing doubled the risk of future tooth loss.
– The risk of tooth loss was nearly 8 times higher for a pocket probing depth (PPD) of 5 mm, about 10 times higher for a PPD of 6 mm, and over 60 times higher for a PPD of 7 mm
Conclusion:
The treatment goal should be to achieve a maximum pocket probing depth of 4 mm and ensure the absence of inflammation.
Authors: Priv.-Doz. Dr. Kristina Bertl, Prof. Dr. Andreas Stavropoulos
This article was published in the IJ Implantologie Journal 01/2024.
Note: This article first appeared in the Bayerisches Zahnärzteblatt 11/2023.