Abstract
Tooth loss represents a diffused pathologic condition affecting the worldwide population. Risk factors have been identified in both general features (smoking, diabetes, economic status) and local tooth-related factors (caries, periodontitis). In this retrospective study, we examined the data of 366 patients with a large number of remaining teeth (≥25) undergoing maintenance therapy in order to identify specific risk factors for tooth loss. The number of remaining teeth, number of non-vital teeth, and number of occlusal units were investigated for their correlation with tooth loss. The mean follow-up of patients was 9.2 years (range 5 to 14). Statistically significant risk factors for tooth loss were identified as number of remaining teeth at baseline (p = 0.05), number of occlusal units (p = 0.03), and number of non-vital teeth in posterior regions (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that the number of occlusal units and number of non-vital teeth in the posterior regions were significantly associated with a greater risk of tooth loss (odds ratio 1.88 and 3.17, respectively). These results confirm that not only the number of remaining teeth, but also their vital or non-vital status and the distribution between the anterior and posterior regions influence the long-term survival.
Highlights
Tooth loss significantly affects quality of life and represents a reliable marker of the oral health and socio-economic status of a population [1,2]
Age [6], smoking [7], diabetes [6], and educational and economic status [8] have been identified as general risk factors for tooth loss
The results showed that the number of remaining teeth at the start of maintenance was a statistically significant risk factor for further tooth loss
Summary
Tooth loss significantly affects quality of life and represents a reliable marker of the oral health and socio-economic status of a population [1,2]. Continuous dental education, prevention programs, and treatment advancements significantly reduce tooth loss in the adult population of developed countries. It still represents one of the 100 top conditions that affects the world’s population [3]. The main causes of tooth loss are dental caries and periodontitis [4,5]. Age [6], smoking [7], diabetes [6], and educational and economic status [8] have been identified as general risk factors for tooth loss. Tooth-related factors, such as the severity of periodontitis [9], tooth health status (decays, fillings) [9], and the number of remaining teeth [10], have been proposed
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