Success in periodontology: An evolutive concept

The purpose of this editorial was to discuss a definition of success after periodontal therapy based on the retention of natural dentition.

Based on topic and relevance, references were collected and then divided into four categories: (a) the influence of available therapeutic techniques on the definition of hopeless teeth, (b) the long-term rate of tooth loss during supportive periodontal therapy, (c) the duration of time that the treatment outcomes may be considered stable and (d) patients' perception and satisfaction of periodontal therapy.

Periodontal therapy can change the prognosis of hopeless teeth, making them maintainable in the long term. The rate of tooth loss can be minimized in a way that a period of 10 years or more is needed to evaluate further periodontal breakdown. In addition, patients' perception and satisfaction of the treatment should be considered as the main therapeutic endpoints of the provided periodontal therapy.

Definition of success is linked to the available therapeutic tools. Due to the recent advancement of treatment modalities, periodontally hopeless teeth can now be treated and maintained for a long period of time with health, function and patient satisfaction.