Alveolar bone loss in relation to periodontal treatment need, socioeconomic status and dental health.

The distance from cemento-enamel junction to alveolar crest was studied in relation to periodontal treatment need, socioeconomic factors and dental health. The subjects (315) of the study were employees of a paper mill in Finland. Alveolar crest height was measured from orthopantomograms, periodontal treatment need was assessed by the Periodontal Treatment Need System (PTNS). Number of teeth, interproximal fillings and caries were determined clinically, and background information was obtained by questionnaires. On an average, the rate of alveolar bone loss was 0.6 mm in 10 years in the study population and 1.2 mm in subjects aged 30 to 45 years. The bone loss increased with decreasing number of teeth. Subjects with plaque retention had somewhat more severe bone loss than those with no inflammation or gingival inflammation only. Periodontal treatment need, age and number of remaining teeth altogether explained 42.8% of the bone loss when tested by multiple linear regression analysis.