Prognostic value of a simplified method for periodontal risk assessment during supportive periodontal therapy

Aim To evaluate the association between risk scores generated with a simplified method for periodontal risk assessment ( Perio Risk ), and tooth loss as well as bone loss during supportive periodontal therapy ( SPT ). Materials & Methods Data related to 109 patients (42 males; mean age: 42.2 ± 10.2 years, range 22–62) enrolled in a SPT programme for a mean period of 5.6 years were retrospectively obtained at two specialist periodontal clinics. Patients were stratified according to Perio Risk score (on a scale from 1 – low risk to 5 – high risk) as calculated at the end of active periodontal therapy. Risk groups were compared for tooth loss as well as the changes in radiographic bone levels occurred during SPT . Results The mean number of teeth lost per patient during SPT varied from 0 to 1.8 ± 2.5 for patients with a risk score of 1 and 5 respectively ( p  = 0.041). Mean radiographic bone loss during SPT was ≤0.5 mm in all risk groups, without significant inter‐group differences. Conclusions Periodontal risk assessment according to Perio Risk may help to identify patients at risk for tooth loss during SPT .