[Recall rate criteria in a periodontal office]

It was the objective of this study to identify parameters which influence the rate of recall. In 1987 a total of 845 recall treatments were given to 372 patients. Recorded variables were quality of oral hygiene, papilla bleeding index, and number of teeth with pockets greater than 3 mm. These results plus the number of capped teeth were related to the recall rate. Bad oral hygiene and a correspondingly higher papilla bleeding index require a more frequent recall. However, these variables show little influence on the number of teeth with deep pockets. A higher recall rate in patients with bad oral hygiene cannot always prevent gingivitis, but progression of the disease into periodontitis and loss of attachment.