Longevity: a critical factor in evaluating the effectiveness of periodontal therapy

A 47-year-old male patient with an advanced form of adult periodontitis presented for evaluation and treatment in 1963. There were several angular bony lesions and 3 molar teeth had an extremely questionable prognosis. The patient was treated by scaling, root planing and gingivectomy, with no attempt to alter the existing morphology of the effected alveolar bone. 23 years following periodontal therapy, there were marked changes of the contour of the marginal bone crest throughout, minimal pocket depth and acceptable gingival form. The patient was seen at regular 5-6 months intervals for maintenance therapy and his home care regimen was exemplary. Advanced cases of periodontitis can be treated successfully by simplistic methods if the "repair potential" of the patient is good and if regular maintenance visits and meticulous plaque control are carried out.