LAUSR

OBJECTIVE Evaluation of survival of teeth with class III furcation involvement (FI) ≥5 years after active periodontal treatment (APT) and identification of prognostic factors. METHODS All charts of patients having accomplished APT at the Department of Periodontology of Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany beginning October 2004 were screened for teeth with class III FI. APT had to be accomplished ≥5 years. Charts were analysed for data of class III FI teeth at baseline (T0), accomplishment of APT (T1) and last supportive periodontal care (T2). Baseline radiographic bone loss and treatment was assessed. RESULTS One-hundred-sixty patients (age: 54.4±9.8 years; 82 females; 39 active smokers; 9 diabetics, 85 stage III, 75 stage IV, 59 grade B, 101 grade C) contributed 265 teeth with class III FI. Ninety-eight teeth (37%) were lost during 110, 78/137 (median, lower/upper quartile) months. Logistic mixed model regression and mixed cox proportional hazard model associated adjunctive systemic antibiotics with less (26% vs. 42%; p=0.019/0.004) and BL (p=0.014/0.024) as well as mean probing pocket depth (PPD) at T1 (p<0.001) with more tooth loss. CONCLUSIONS Subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive systemic antibiotics favors retention of class III furcation involved teeth. Baseline radiographic bone loss and PPD at T1 deteriorate long-term prognosis.