Long-term tooth preservation through supportive periodontal therapy: Report of 2 cases

Kim, Yun-Jeong; Ku, Young

doi:2026.64.1.13

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 64(1); 2026 > Article

Case Report

Journal of Korean Dental Association 2026;64(1):13-19.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22974/jkda.2026.64.1.003 Published online January 31, 2026.

Long-term tooth preservation through supportive periodontal therapy: Report of 2 cases

Yun-Jeong Kim^1,2

, Young Ku²

¹Department of Periodontology, Seoul National University Gwanak Dental Hospital, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Periodontology and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence: Young Ku, Tel: +82-2-6256-3147,
Email: guy@snu.ac.kr

Received: 1 September 2025 • Revised: 23 September 2025 • Accepted: 11 December 2025

Abstract

This report presents two cases demonstrating long-term tooth preservation through supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) following active treatment. Case 1 involved a 44-year-old female diagnosed with generalized Stage III periodontitis in 1988, who underwent comprehensive non-surgical and surgical treatment followed by individualized SPT for 35 years, totaling 169 recall visits. Except for one molar, all teeth remained stable. Case 2, a 41-year-old female diagnosed in 2008 with generalized Stage III periodontitis and advanced bone loss, received repeated non-surgical therapy with adjunctive doxycycline, successfully delaying multiple extractions for over 10 years until selective implants were placed. Both patients showed excellent compliance and received adjunctive interventions when indicated. These cases highlight the critical role of individualized SPT in preventing recurrence, maintaining periodontal stability, and extending tooth survival in periodontally compromised patients through periodic evaluation, risk-factor control, and continuous reinforcement of oral hygiene.

Key Words: Patient Care Management; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Longitudinal Studies