Objectives: To evaluate changes in gingival recessions (GR) in periodontitis patients over ten years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and to assess the impact of GR on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
Materials and Methods: Fifty-one patients with over ten years of SPT were followed up (V1) with complete periodontal status including periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) at 6 sites/tooth, oral hygiene indices, and recession status. Patient anamnesis, oral hygiene habits, and orthodontic history were assessed. Data were compared with records from 10-11.5 years prior (V0). GR changes were analyzed at patient level, and for all teeth with deep GR ≥3mm at tooth and site level (mid-buccal site). OHRQoL was assessed at V1 (OHIP-G14 questionnaire). Possible risk factors for GR progression and the associations between the number of deep GR and OHRQoL were tested (linear mixed-effects models, linear regression).
Results: The analysis included 45 patients (stage III/IV periodontitis). Patients retained most teeth (V0: 23.87±4.38; V1: 22.53±4.78), with stable mean overall PPD (V0: 2.34±0.35mm; V1: 2.39±0.26mm) and CAL (V0: 3.56±0.94mm; V1: 3.56±0.89mm). Teeth with deep GR showed overall only minimal mean GR progression (0.16±0.97 mm). The mean increase at the mid-buccal sites was 0.66±1.58mm. 10% of patients had >1mm GR progression at the mid-buccal site. Molars showed less GR progression than anterior teeth. The number of deep GR did not significantly impact OHRQoL.
Conclusions: Periodontitis patients on regular SPT showed high periodontal stability with minimal GR progression. The number of deep GR was not associated with OHRQoL.