Analysis of causative factors of tooth loss during the maintenance period

Comparison of risk factors between maintenance and non-maintenance cohorts

Abstract

In order to identify the risk factors of tooth loss in relation to dental check-ups and maintenance visits, we conducted a comparative analysis of two cohorts, “maintenance” and “non-maintenance” with a total of 201 patients who visited a dental clinic in Kobe for the first time between the beginning of 1991 and the end of 1994 and visited at least once after January 1st 2010. The maintenance cohort is comprised of 155 patients who visited the clinic for maintenance at least six times in the last 6 years at intervals of visits being no longer than one year (data from the initial visit—age 46.7 ± 10.83; male 24.5% female 75.5%; DMFT 16.2 ± 6.36; remaining teeth 26.1 ± 3.0; moderate to severe periodontitis 44.7% ); all other 46 patients make up the non-maintenance cohort (data from the initial visit—age 41.9 ± 11.53; male 34.8% female 65.2%; DMFT 15.7 ± 6.12; moderate-severe periodontitis 25%). Setting an extraction event after re-examination as the objective variable, odds ratios are calculated via logistic regression analysis with age, sex and other relevant factors as predictor variables. In the maintenance cohort, the odds ratio 1.12 (95% confidence interval 1.037-1.201) against one (tooth) increase in DMFT. In the non-maintenance cohort, “female” and “remaining teeth” at the first visits are significant factors for lowering the risk of extraction while gingivitis is a strong risk factor.