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Root proximity as a risk marker for periodontal disease: a case-control study
K Vermylen1, G N Th De Quincey, G N Wolffe
1Department of Periodontology and Biomaterials, Catholic University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. katrienvermylen@lycos.com
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|March 16, 2005
Summary
Root proximity, the closeness of tooth roots, is common in patients with periodontal disease. Bilateral root proximity significantly increases the risk of developing periodontitis, highlighting its role as a key risk marker.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Dental Radiology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Root proximity is a dental anatomical variation.
- Its association with periodontal disease requires further investigation.
- Understanding prevalence and patterns is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, symmetry, and spread of root proximity.
- To evaluate root proximity as a potential risk marker for periodontal disease.
Main Methods:
- Radiographic analysis of 227 patients (197 with periodontal disease, 30 controls).
- Assessment of inter-proximal spaces for root proximity severity and location.
- Calculation of prevalence, symmetry, spread, odds ratio, and relative risk.
Main Results:
- Root proximity is a widespread phenomenon in both periodontal patients and controls.
- Periodontal patients exhibit more critical coronal/intervening root proximity.
- Bilateral root proximity was associated with a 3.6-fold increased risk of periodontitis.
Conclusions:
- Root proximity is a significant risk marker for periodontal disease.
- Clinical consideration of root proximity is recommended for periodontal risk assessment.
