January 2012

Purpose: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of periodontal bone loss and to assess the prevalence of self-reported medical conditions in patients with and without periodontal bone loss in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A total of 2103 dental records with complete data from patients ≥ 18 years of age admitted to the King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Dentistry during the year 2005 were included. Age, gender, nationality and self reported medical history were abstracted from the dental records. Periodontal bone loss was determined by a single examiner using panoramic radiographs that were taken prior to any dental treatment. Descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square and logistic regression models were used for data analyses. Results: About 20% of the study sample reported a positive history for one or more medical conditions. Diabetes was the most frequently reported condition (7.4%), followed by hypertension (5.4%) and anemia (3%). Radiographic alveolar bone loss at one or more sites was found in 71.6 % of the sample. The mean number of sites with alveolar bone loss was significantly higher among individuals with diabetes and hypertension than those without these conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Prevalence of periodontal bone loss is high in the present sample, especially among those with chronic medical conditions. Collaboration between dental and medical professionals is needed for better oral and general health.