The association of occlusal contacts with the presence of increased periodontal probing depth.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates relationships in humans between various occlusal contacts and the presence of deeper probing depths, reduced width of keratinized tissue, and less than favourable initial prognosis.


METHODS
The tooth level relationship between various occlusal contacts and pocket probing depths, width of keratinized gingiva, and prognosis at the time of initial examination was evaluated (multivariate model) in a group of patients (85 patients, 2219 teeth) with active periodontal disease.


RESULTS
The following were noted to be associated with significantly deeper pocket probing depths: premature contacts in centric relation (0.89 mm, p<0.0001), posterior protrusive contacts (0.51 mm, p<0.0001), balancing contacts (1.01 mm, p<0.0001), combined working and balancing contacts (1.13 mm, p<0.0001), and the length of slide between centric relation and centric occlusion. Protrusive contacts on anterior teeth were significantly associated with shallower probing depths (-0.18 mm, p=0.0076) and a wider zone of keratinized tissue (0.16 mm, p=0.0065). Balancing contacts with and without working contacts and centric prematurities were all associated with an increased incidence of a less than "Good" prognosis


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple types of occlusal contacts were shown to be associated with deeper probing depths and the increased assignment of a less than "Good" initial prognosis.
Harrel
Stephen K
SK
Private Practice, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75229, USA. skh1@airmail.net
Nunn
Martha E
ME
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016302:Centric Relation; D016208:Databases, Factual; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000209:etiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking; D055815:Young Adult