Patient-related and tooth-related factors as predictors for tooth loss in periodontitis patients: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of periodontitis aims to prevent further disease progression, to minimize symptoms and perception of the disease, possibly to restore lost tissues and to support patients in maintaining a healthy periodontium. Management of chronic periodontal disease requires a combination of therapeutic modalities and a lifelong commitment to periodontal self-care.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate predictors for tooth loss in patients previously diagnosed with periodontitis. This systematic review covers studies of over 10 years of follow-up.

Methods: Electronic literature search was conducted on 19/02/2024 by one author across several databases, including Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Google Scholar, including longitudinal studies investigating the association between predictors and tooth loss in periodontitis patients. A total of 594 publications were screened, and three reviewers analyzed the articles and extracted the data. Of these, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results: A total of 17 articles were included in this systematic review. The mean year of publication of the included studies was 2014. The mean follow-up period was 13.8 years. The studies involved a total of 2,633 participants. The mean sample size was 154 participants. Patients’ mean age was 42.5 years.

Conclusions: Older, males, smokers or diabetic patients, with irregular attendance to supportive periodontal therapy and teeth with high probing depth, mobility, or molars, especially with furcation involvement, are major modifiable risk factors for tooth loss.