Long-Term Clinical Response to Treatment and Maintenance of Localized Aggressive Periodontitis: A Cohort Study.

Aim: To evaluate long-term clinical response to periodontal therapy and maintenance in localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP). Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-one African Americans diagnosed with LAP, aged 5-25 years, were enrolled. Patients underwent periodontal mechanical debridement plus 1 week of amoxicillin/metronidazole. Mechanical therapy was repeated as needed and clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, and two additional annual follow-up visits after treatment. Radiographs from primary dentition of patients with LAP in permanent dentition, and additional healthy siblings (HS) were analysed retrospectively. Results: Periodontal therapy significantly improved probing depth and clinical attachment level up to 4 years (mean reductions: 2.18 +/- 1.03 and 2.80 +/- 1.43 mm, respectively). Percentage of affected sites was reduced at all time points and maintained up to 4 years. Non-compliance with antibiotics/appointments negatively affected the treatment response. Ninety per cent of LAP patients in permanent dentition and 32% of HS presented radiographic bone loss in primary dentition. Conclusions: Mechanical debridement with 1 week of systemic antibiotics along with proper periodontal maintenance was effective in the treatment and successful maintenance of LAP for up to 4 years. LAP in permanent dentition may be preceded in the primary dentition.