2012 Volume 25 Issue 4 Pages 723-731
The postoperative prospects of implant treatment depend on many factors, especially the number of missing teeth.
In this study, we examined the factors related to the number of missing teeth in implant patients at the first visit.
The subjects were 27 patients who visited the oral implantology department of Osaka Dental University Hospital. The number of bacteria in periodontal pockets, saliva tests, status of teeth, periodontal tissue and oral hygiene were examined by four calibrated dentists. Moreover, the subjects were asked about their lifestyle and oral health behavior.
The number of missing teeth was statistically correlated with not only the number of P. intermedia and P. gingivalis in the periodontal pockets, but also regularity of having breakfast and oral health activities.
These results showed that the number of missing teeth is an indicator of various factors affecting the number of bacteria in periodontal pockets and the lifestyle of implant patients.
It is suggested that implant treatment and health counseling in consideration of the number of missing teeth are necessary in clinical practice.
