Age-Based Outcome Analysis of Comprehensive Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Background: Aging has been considered a risk determinant for chronic periodontitis. The aim of the present study is to investigate the age effect on healing after a comprehensive non-surgical treatment (CNSPT). Methods: In the study, the clinical data of CNSPT in 2012 to 2014 at the Department of Periodontics, National Taiwan University Hospital, was collected. The collected data was stratified according to initial clinical attachment level (cut-off value of 5 mm), tooth site (incisors/canines, premolars, and molars), and age (20-40, 40-60, and > 60 year-old). The probing depth (PD) reduction, gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and keratinized tissue (KT) gain were evaluated. Results: The treatment data of 204 patients were analyzed. In the 20-40 year-old group, PD reduction in all teeth, and CAL gain in teeth with initial CAL ≥5 mm, were significantly greater relative to the > 60 year-old group. In teeth with initial CAL ≥5 mm , the linear regression analysis also revealed a significantly negative correlation between age and PD reduction/ CAL gain. Regarding tooth type, PD reduction and CAL gain were significantly negatively correlated with age in incisors and canines. Conclusions: Both PD reduction and CAL gain were slightly greater in younger receiving CNSPT, specifically for incisors and canines with initial CAL ≥ 5 mm.