[Long-term results of traditional periodontal therapy]

To evaluate the long-term results of traditional therapy consisting of initial preparation followed by mucogingival surgery including bone recontouring and regular maintenance treatments.

125 patients between 25 and 70 with a generalised periodontitis of the type adult and rapidly progressing periodontitis were selected. These patients were treated according to a fixed protocol by a periodontist and a dental hygienist.

The Practice for Periodontology in Groningen.

Patients were treated in a practice limited to periodontology. Before and 5 years after treatment the following data were assessed: plaque- and bleeding-score, probing pocket-depth, mobility and furcation involvement. Furthermore the reason for extraction was established.

In general a great reduction in plaque- and bleeding-score and probing pocket-depth was much better in case of good oral hygiene. Within 5 years after treatment only 1.1% of the teeth were extracted. Furcations with through and through involvement in combination with deep residual pockets were mostly the reason for this.

It is concluded that with traditional periodontal therapy following a strict protocol including regular maintenance treatments excellent treatment results can be achieved.