THERAPY-RESISTANT PERIODONTITIS .2. COMPLIANCE AND GENERAL AND DENTAL-HEALTH EXPERIENCES

In this exploratory case-control study, somatic and psychological fact ors are used for exploring whether the anamnestic information gives su pport to the hypothesis of a relationship between therapy-resistant pe riodontitis and stress factors. From retrospective comparisons of pock et probing depth charts, we classified 22 patients as either non-respo nding or responding to periodontal treatment. The non-responding patie nt group, in comparison with the responding patient group, showed a pr ofile over time of less pocket probing depth (PPD) reduction in respon se to periodontal treatment. Information registered in each patient's file regarding periodontal registrations and dental status was gathere d, and an interview was conducted aiming at collecting information on dental experiences and attitudes. Bivariate and logistic multivariate regression analyses were performed. The NR-group patients experienced significantly more unpleasant feelings towards dental procedures and a higher tendency to experience pain in connection with dental procedur es. This group was found to start smoking at an older age than the R-g roup. One reason for this may be that smoking debut at an older age is more related to stress conditions than debut at a younger age. The re port highlights the possible contribution of stress factors in periodo ntal disease.