This study aimed to explore how the periodontal risk assessment changes during supportive periodontal therapy. The aim was also to investigate patient adherence to 3-, 6- or 12-months supportive periodontal therapy intervals.

 

The patients were categorised in low-, moderate-, or high-risk profiles based on set criteria. The supportive periodontal treatment intervals followed the risk assessment, corresponding to the intervals of 3-, 6- or 12 months.

 

The lowest risk group showed the highest share of patients being fully adherent, while the lowest level of adherence was displayed in the high-risk group. Thus, adherence seems to decrease with a higher risk profile and by shorter supportive periodontal treatment intervals.

 

A change in risk profile can occur during supportive periodontal care, especially in the low- and high-risk groups. The moderate-risk group showed the lowest frequency of changing groups. One outcome was that close to 50% in the high-risk group managed to move to a lower risk profile. Absolute adherence to supportive periodontal therapy intervals was shown to impact both the mean periodontal probing depth and the number of teeth in a positive way.

 

The clinical implementation from the authors is that periodontal risk assessment on a regular basis, together with adapting the intervals of supportive periodontal treatment, is a useful approach to maintaining a long-term periodontal treatment result.