Aim: This prospective study aimed to evaluate the progression of periodontitis and the influence of risk variables among individuals attending a programme of periodontal maintenance treatment in an academic environment.
Material and methods: A total of 150 individuals diagnosed with chronic moderate-advanced periodontitis, and who had finished active periodontal treatment, were incorporated into the periodontal maintenance therapy. Social, demographic and biological variables of interest from subjects were collected at quarterly recalls, over a 12-month period. The effect of variables of interest and confounding on the periodontal status and progression of periodontitis was tested by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis.
Results: A total of 130 subjects (86.7%) showed stable periodontal status, whereas 20 subjects (13.3%) presented periodontitis progression. Twenty-eight subjects (18.66%) presented tooth loss that resulted in a total of 47 lost teeth (1.38%). Diabetes was not found to be associated with periodontitis progression (p=0.67). Smoking was significantly associated with a greater progression of periodontitis (OR=2.7, 95% CI 1.01-7.22).
Conclusions: Periodontal maintenance programmes in academic environment can stabilize the periodontal condition obtained after active periodontal therapy as well as control the action of risk variables for the progression of periodontitis.